Nat Bromhead
Michael Matthews has come ever so close to winning Milan-Sanremo – ‘Bling’ finishing second to Jasper Philipsen by mere millimetres.
After appearing to perfectly time his sprint to the line, Matthews was edged out in a photo finish by the Belgian, leaving him with mixed feelings.
“It’s hard,” said Matthews. “Obviously, I’m happy with the podium but being so close, it’s bittersweet,” he added, reflecting on the near miss. “Tomorrow, I’ll be happy with my performance, but at this moment right now, being so close to a Monument after so many podiums, it’s hard. To be honest, I did everything perfectly, I wouldn’t have changed anything.”
Matthews, who has an impressive record at Milan-Sanremo race with three podiums and six top-seven finishes in 11 appearances, expressed pride in his performance despite the disappointment.
“The way I’ve bounced back, I’m very proud of myself,” he said, referring to his recent struggle with illness that led to his withdrawal from Paris-Nice. “Paris-Nice didn’t go to plan but Milan-Sanremo is my favourite race of the year, and it always puts a smile on my face on the start line. So to be here in Sanremo on the podium again, it’s really special.”
Despite narrowly missing out on victory, 33yo Matthews’ second place in the star-studded race, was a testament to his skill, resilience and ongoing form.
The 2024 Milan-Sanremo was anticipated as a showdown between heavyweights like last year’s winner Mathieu van der Poel and five-time Monuments winner Tadej Pogacar. Good mates with winner Philipsen and third placed Pogacar, hours before the race Matthew’s posted a photo enroute to the race in Pogacar’s car. And yes, eagle eyed readers, that’s an Aldi card in the centre console.
So good and so close for Bling, yet again, I found myself screaming at the TV like a crazy person in the final 200 metres. Apologies to my neighbours.