On Friday afternoon, Tadei Pogachar received the biggest applause at the Milano-Sanremo team presentation. Numerous local Italian tifosi are well aware that he is the favorite to win Milan~Sanremo.

However, the leader of UAE Team Emirates seemed a bit hesitant about his chances to win the first monument of 2023, no doubt because "La Primavera" is a lottery race, determined by split-second race developments and good or bad tactical decisions It is probably because he knows that "La Primavera" is a lottery race that depends on split-second race developments and tactical decisions.

Pogachar dominated Paris-Nice, winning nine races in just 13 days. He knows that he must be ready for anything when the race hits the Cipressa, especially the climb up Poggio.

"There are a lot of contenders for the Milan-San Remo win, especially with so many variations in the race, anything can happen," Pogachar said after the team presentation.

"I don't consider myself a real favorite, but maybe I can surprise everyone. Milan-San Remo is a tricky race and a lot can happen. Let's see how I feel and how the race goes. As a team we will certainly be looking for the win, but it could be anyone."

Last year, Pogachar attacked four times on the race's iconic final climb, Poggio. He was caught up and unable to follow as fellow Slovenian Matej Mohoric surged up the descent of Poggio using a dropper post.

Pogachar seemed to have learned from his mistakes. He refused to reveal his race plan, but he knows that on the long ride to San Remo, he must maintain protection before trusting his innate race instincts.

"Unfortunately, there is no perfect strategy for Milan-San Remo. All seven team members have to be in good shape, we have to ride as a team and be as fresh as possible for the last two climbs," he said of the different race scenarios.

"We have to keep up with all the guys attacking on the poggio. You always need to be in front."

"Everyone wants to win solo because it's the most glamorous way, but the adrenaline of sprinting after 300km is something else. For me, the goal is to get to the front and fight for the win."

"I don't think about who my big opponents are. There are at least 20 riders who can win. I just need to be the best in the finale, and it doesn't matter who is there."

Pogachar can sprint, but he is not the fastest sprinter on the Milan-San Remo start list.

Vincenzo Nibali was the last solo winner on the Via Roma in 2018, but Pogachar refused to reveal his best race scenario. He seems to be preparing for multiple outcomes and perhaps multiple race plans.

"Vincenzo's victory was brilliant, but Milan - Sanremo is different every year," Pogachar warned.

"Let's see what happens. Maybe there will be a solo winner, maybe it will be me, maybe not. I just want to have good legs and a smart race."