After the traditional early breakaway was caught on the Cipressa, they stayed together until two kilometres before the top of the Poggio. Van Aert showed off his good legs with a few pinpricks, but did not get away. He was eventually beaten by Caleb Ewan in the sprint for second place.

“I had the legs to win, but I was caught”, Van Aert said. “Milaan-San Remo is a very difficult course to win and I gambled and lost in the final. I also didn’t want to throw away my sprinting chances to ride full behind Jasper with the rest in my wake. A lot of people were looking at me and that’s logical of course. On the Poggio I tried, but we were still with too many guys. I expected a bigger shake-up, but apparently the conditions were not tough enough. I’m disappointed that I didn’t win, but I don’t know if I could have done something different. All in all, I can’t be unhappy with this third place. My form is fine and I’m looking forward to the Flemish classics with confidence.”