Bold opening: The price of chasing glory at the very summit of a top team is sometimes paid in opportunities for personal defense—Jonathan Milan makes that trade-off explicit as he pivots toward the Giro d’Italia rather than defending the Green Jersey at the Tour de France.
Jonathan Milan spoke with the press at Lidl Trek’s briefing, outlining his refreshed Grand Tour plan, his choice to target the Giro, his sprint ambitions, how modern sprinting is evolving, and how he handles the pressure and risk that come with lightning-fast finishes. CyclingUpToDate covered the extended dialogue as the Italian sprinter fielded a back-and-forth of questions.
How challenging was it to adjust your schedule and shift from the Tour to the Giro?
It isn’t difficult for me. It’s more about a strategic adjustment. Of course, a Tour appearance would be nice, but why not pursue the Giro?
I’m genuinely excited about the Giro because there are clear sprint opportunities for us. I’ll race for a team that’s fully committed to supporting me across a variety of sprint scenarios, aiming to replicate—if not surpass—what we’ve achieved in recent years.
I wouldn’t frame it as hard. It’s the “price” of competing for a place in a big squad. Everyone’s goals must align, and I’m content with choosing the Giro.
You had a standout Tour this year. How do you reflect on it?
I had a wonderful Tour, not only for the wins but for the way we approached it. What stood out most was our daily progression through each stage and the special team atmosphere. I enjoyed every moment with my teammates, and that’s what I’ll remember most.
How is the new season’s schedule decided? Is it your idea or the team’s?
Ultimately, we share the same ambitious goals. After the holidays, I spoke with my coach. We discussed how to start the year, where to pursue victories, and, of course, which Grand Tours to target.
This year, the Giro offered appealing early opportunities, and it also aligns with the reality that the European and World Championships aren’t well-suited for sprinters this year.
Could you also ride the Vuelta after the summer?
That will be decided in the coming days. The Vuelta may feature more climbing, so we’ll review the full route with the team to determine whether it makes sense. There could be one or two sprint chances, but it remains a possibility.
What about your Spring Classics plan?
I’ll share more specifics, but the season will begin in Saudi Arabia with sprint opportunities, followed by the UAE, Tirreno-Adriatico, and then beyond. I’m outlining the main program now, but there could be changes.
Early in the year I’ll focus heavily on sprints, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, then shift toward Classics development. We’ll decide which northern races to target, keeping the program tight and focused.
Last year, after Tirreno, I wasn’t feeling fully fresh. It was a challenging period, and we’re aiming to make gradual, sustainable steps each year.
Milano-Sanremo has evolved a lot recently. Do you see a future in it for you?
Perhaps in the longer term. Sanremo continues to change, and I’m determined to improve and be in peak form there when the opportunity arises. It’s a race that holds special meaning for me, and the Cipressa and Poggio routes have been reshaped in recent years, making the race even tougher.
This year, I expect to contribute more than anticipated and be ready to suffer. We’ll push through the challenges.
New recruits in the Classics squad—how does that affect you?
For me, the priority is smoother position changes during sprints. We’ve made progress on this front and I’m glad to have strong new teammates. We’ve begun training together and will continue through December and January, testing different setups during spring training to identify what works best. This process will refine as we move through Saudi Arabia and the UAE toward the core races.
Before the Tour, you highlighted the benefits of your lead-out. Could new combinations also pay off?
We’ll test everything during training camps. Each lead-out rider brings power and experience to deliver me at the optimal speed. It’s not just the final man who matters—the third-last and second-last riders are crucial too. We must coordinate as a unit to cover all scenarios on race day.
Sprint competition remains highly competitive at the WorldTour level. How do you view the current sprint hierarchy?
The level is incredibly tight. We’re consistently in contention, and it’s about positioning—some sprinters start earlier, some later, and each has a distinct style.
The Giro starts in Bulgaria, a country that holds personal significance for you because it’s where you won your first European track medal. Does that carry extra meaning?
Yes, it does. It’s a strong motivation and a meaningful opportunity. We’ll aim to stay in the mix, though you never know how a race will unfold.
Was that a factor in choosing the Giro? It contributed to the decision.
Do you already see the Giro stages in detail? Will teams coordinate with you on sprint stages?
Team dynamics vary—sometimes cooperation happens, other times it doesn’t. We have solid support and will help one another through the final kilometers, balancing tactics with GC considerations.
You are now Italy’s top sprinter. Do you keep in touch with former stars like Cipollini?
I hear from him occasionally; his messages tend to be compliments. As a boy watching from the couch with my father, I remember those dramatic breakaways and chases—the excitement they sparked still fuels me today.
How do you manage sprint finishes that are faster and more dangerous due to evolving technology and speeds?
Safety is a priority, and organizers are taking it more seriously. Sprinters must take risks, but crashes are not a trade-off we want. Each sprint presents unique conditions—speed, road surface, rider position—and gear evolution continues to push speeds higher.
Do you think the UCI will impose gear restrictions?
That debate is ongoing. For me, speeds above roughly 75–76 km/h are already very fast, and it’s not simply about gear size. The dynamics are more complex.
Which team has the strongest lead-out train in the peloton?
We do. Our commitment, organization, and experience stand out. We may occasionally lose positions, but we regroup.
Is it frustrating when your team does most of the work and others wait for the sprint?
It's a part of the sport. Sometimes other teams contribute, and sometimes they don’t. If a break gains four minutes because only one team drives, there’s no sprint. Everyone adapts to the broader strategy.
Do you ever get angry when rivals don’t cooperate?
No. They have their plans, and respecting them is part of cycling. I’ll congratulate the winner—because that’s the sport we love.
