A podium start for Milan at Tirreno-Adriatico

The declared goal of Jonathan Milan for Tirreno-Adriatico is to fight for success in the sprints, his specialty. It was, therefore, logical to expect that today, in the opening and super fast 10-kilometer ITT in Camaiore, the spotlight was not on him. But Johnny still managed to find himself under it, taking third, 12 seconds behind Ayuso (UAE) and 11 seconds behind Ganna (Ineos).

Today’s result is the best ITT result in his career, but it should come as no surprise. In 2020, Milan won the Italian TT U23 championships, but it’s more his results on track that are the strongest indication of his ability in these intense types efforts, most of all the Olympic title in team pursuit from Tokyo 2021.

Today, on the route along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Milan wanted to test himself, pushing as hard as he could to find confirmation of his condition in view of the sprints. The result was more than satisfying, with the Italian cover the 10km course at an average speed of 51.7 km/h and, as a result, proving that he is ready for the challenge of going up against the other fast wheels of the Tirreno-Adriatico peloton.

This is a good way to start the race and to be sure that I have put the gastrointestinal problems suffered at Opening Weekend behind me. After a couple of days of rest and recovery, I worked to refine my condition once again to be ready for Tirreno-Adriatico. Today, came an encouraging response. I’m happy.

Today felt like it was a crescendo. Discreet in the morning ride, good in the warm-up and even better in the race. I pushed hard, as much as possible. Considering the distance and how fast the course was, I can’t say I raced to win it, but I thought a little about it. In the end, yes, I am really happy with the result.

It was an intense and useful effort ahead of the stages that suit me, starting from tomorrow. It will be a high-adrenaline challenge, given the competitors I’ll have to battle with. It will be very stimulating, but what matters most to me is knowing that I can face it with the support of a strong and well-equipped lead out. I am optimistic that we can do well.