Collective effort by Lidl-Trek gives sprinters one extra chance ahead of Rome showdown.
Whilst most predictions favoured a puncheur-style rider to take the eighteenth stage, Lidl-Trek had other ambitions, placing their faith in fast man Jonathan Milan. The biggest obstacle for sprint teams to overcome was the Muro di ca’ del Poggio, a brutal, albeit short, wall located 10km from the finish.
I have to say thank you to everyone for being able to make the sprint happen, you know, to control it, to pull so hard for it, to turn it around. I made a mistake.
Jonny started the climb positioned by his teammates at the very front of the bunch, hanging tough until a late acceleration by race leader Vingegaard. Our Italian rallied, conceding only handful of seconds to the reduced front group, which included Derek Gee-West and Matteo Sobrero.
It was not an easy day. It was not a 100% bunch sprint day, but we tried to control it from the beginning. The guys did an amazing job and I have to say sorry to them for the fact that I didn't achieve the result that we were looking for. After a big effort like today, they need just this, but yeah, I think we did our best and I think it was my fault to take this last corner in fourth wheel, I think I should have stayed there behind Magnier.
With a strong pull from Giulio Ciccone, Jonny’s group rejoined the front of the race, putting a sprint finish back on the menu. The Lidl-Trek sprinter surfed wheels at the front of the bunch through the technical final kilometres, launching his sprint from fourth position. He crossed the line in third, behind Magnier and Zambanini.
One last chance remains for the sprinters: Rome.
