A sublime leadout sets Jonathan up for his third victory of the Giro d’Italia.
Despite a mid-race scramble after being caught behind a split, Lidl-Trek were once more able to deliver Jonathan Milan to victory at the Giro d’Italia.
Stage 13 of the Corsa Rosa was looking like a slow-burn, until 60km to go when echelons split the peloton. A poorly-timed nature break meant Lidl-Trek were towards the back of the peloton when crosswinds ripped through the bunch. Lidl-Trek organized themselves straight away and chased, rotating between the strong rouleurs on the team to reduce the deficit. Even Jonathan Milan got involved in the chase, and after 20 kilometers, they were back in the peloton, moving to the front to avoid being caught out again.
Teamwork makes the dreamwork 💜
An absolute textbook lead out, hats off to the whole team! 🙌🫶 #Giroditalia pic.twitter.com/2o20WpEFzo
— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) May 17, 2024
The Lidl-Trek sprint train was a well-oiled machine as it approached the finish. A textbook leadout, first with Daan Hoole pulling the train into position, then with huge pulls from Jasper Stuyven and Edward Theuns before Simone Consonni took over for the final effort. Jonny was able to jump onto the early sprint of Gaviria (Movistar) using the slipstream to spring past him and sail to the win, raising a three-fingered salute as celebration. The ‘Bull of Buja’ quickly found his teammates to celebrate the victory the third victory with them, crediting them once more for their amazing work.
CENTO, ITALY - MAY 17: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek - Purple Points Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the 107th Giro d'Italia 2024, Stage 13 a 179km stage from Riccione to Cento / #UCIWT / on May 17, 2024 in Cento, Italy. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Jonny’s lead in the points competition now stretches beyond 100 points as he and Lidl-Trek continue to show dominance in the sprints.
A lead-out masterclass 👌
Absolute perfection from the guys today 💪👏💜#GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/hY4bN07cHH
— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) May 17, 2024
Jonny’s Reaction
“Let’s say that I was a bit behind and the echelons in the front happened. The guys like always did an amazing job, we pushed full gas to come back to catch the first group. We always stayed in the first positions, then the images tell everything. They delivered me in a perfect position.
We started really well in this finish, we knew that we had to come into the last corner with Simone [Consonni] and Simo had to start his lead out from 400 meters to go. We did it like this, it was impressive how the guys rode today, how everyone did their part, how everyone pulled, how everyone pushed for this team goal. In the end, when everyone is believing in all this, this is the result at the end. Just again, I’m super happy and proud of the guys on my team and like always I have to say thanks to them.”
