There is a dominant force in the sprints of Tirreno-Adriatico and that is Jonathan Milan. After the sprint in Giulianova, Stage 4, the Italian rider of Lidl-Trek also won the final stage of the Corsa dei due Mari.
On the seafront of San Benedetto del Tronto, Milan was able to launch his powerful acceleration and dominate the sprint ahead of Kristoff (Uno-X), Cimolai (Movistar) and Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck). As with the first victory, Johnny's success came after a great team effort, well represented by his wingman Simone Consonni to close the gap after the Uno-X attack in the last thousand meters.
Milan's first experience at Tirreno-Adriatico thus ends in the best of ways: two victories, the points jersey, and the feeling that the best is yet to come. "I had fun and we found a great feeling with the team. This has been a successful week for all of us!”
Milan’s reaction
I’m really happy about how we were able to finish this Tirreno-Adriatico. I have to praise my team for the support they gave me today. Simone on the final straight did an amazing ride to close the final gap to Uno-X rider. But it’s not just Simone I should thank, we managed very well with Tao and Amanuel to keep the dangerous breakaway under control, then Toms and Bagio when we caught the break. I’m super happy with this win, which again is a team win. I crowned off an amazing team performance.
Of course, personally I’m super happy because this is my first Tirreno-Adriatico and I’ve won two different sprints. Both days were very complicated and hectic. The sprinters I’ve had to beat are top-class riders, which makes these wins even more important.
Just like for the first win, today was very hard and we needed to keep the breakaway under control and the final circuit was very tricky. At the very end we managed well and we were able to keep the situation under control. Uno-X made a smart move, then I saw Kristoff coming up on my left when Simone closed the gap. I understood that was the moment so I put everything I had into the sprint.
Winning also the points jersey makes the whole experience even more special. I think that the way we got this win is important for me because today we raced after six hard stages and I was able to still have the legs and fight for the win. I’m proud and happy of what I did, it’s a really big boost for me ahead of what’s coming in the Classics. I know the condition is there, I know I worked well, and now the hard work is paying off.
