One of 2023’s breakout stars, Jonathan Milan, is set to join Lidl-Trek with high ambitions for the future
After a remarkable year that witnessed Jonathan Milan’s meteoric rise, in 2024 he will embark on a new chapter with Lidl-Trek, eager to amplify his accomplishments and contribute to the Team’s goals. Milan’s remarkable performance during the 2023 Giro d’Italia, where he won the coveted Ciclamino jersey and triumphed in a sensational stage, has solidified his position as a formidable force in the peloton.
Beyond his road exploits, Milan’s prowess extends to the track, where he clinched a Gold Medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the Team Pursuit, as well as a prestigious Rainbow Jersey in the same discipline at the 2021 World Championships.
Luca Guercilena, General Manager at Lidl-Trek, expressed his enthusiasm for Milan’s addition: “Jonathan is a rider that we have followed for a long time, since way before this year’s Giro. His accomplishments at the Giro are a testament to his exceptional talent and gave a satisfying confirmation of his abilities. We believe he is poised for even greater achievements, and with Lidl-Trek’s unwavering support, he has the potential to become one of the world’s best cyclists. His dedication and values align perfectly with our team’s ethos, and we’re excited to witness his journey.
Jonathan Milan shared his feelings about his impressive 2023 season and what the next step with Lidl-Trek means for him: “2023 was the turning point of my career, a few things changed. I started the season with the desire to give more consistency and continuity to my performances, to set myself ambitious goals. So far, I think I have succeeded. The Giro d’Italia was the highest point and, in part, surprising. It was a learning experience, I learned how to manage effort and expectations, and I’m happy to have succeeded. I would love to be able to close the year with the same trend.
In recent months I have received so many compliments, so many important comparisons that make me pleased and honored. But I have my feet firmly planted on the ground. My only goal now is simply to improve, to use every race, every experience to grow. I am aware that I have a lot to learn, that I can improve in every aspect of my performance, but the desire to invest in myself is not lacking. I will discover my limits of growth as I go along: I hope to prove right all those who are lavishing praise on me.
From January to today, I have felt more and more eyes on me, more and more spotlights shining on me. I think it’s normal when a young rider does well and asserts himself in the races that count. But expectations are not complicating my life. The fact that there are people who believe in me gives me confidence, nothing more. I am a rider who has always been demanding first of all with himself. That’s the pressure I have to deal with, the one that gives me the push, motivates me, and sometimes screws me. It will be one of the aspects I count on to work on and which I’m sure that Lidl-Trek will give me a lot of help with.
My biggest wish for my new adventure with Lidl-Trek is to get results, grow and enjoy what I do. I am confident that I have made the best choice to achieve these goals. I believe that feeling fulfilled in what you do is the key to doing better and better. It’s like lighting a fuse. In short, I want to end on a high note this great year and then throw myself headlong into the new chapter of my career.”
