The insatiable desire for victory of Jonny Milan

Second win at Renewi Tour for Jonathan Milan and Lidl-Trek. “The dedication and motivation that each of us is putting, makes my job easier”

There is no end to Jonathan Milan and Lidl-Trek’s hunger for victory. In the third stage of Renewi Tour (185km-long from Blankenberge to Ardooie) the ‘Bull of Buja’ laid down the law once again, leaving Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Walscheid (Jayco-Alula) in his wake.

We are really happy. I was really looking forward to doing another nice result, to win a sprint in this way. I made it the satisfaction is even double - Jonny Milan

It was a clear victory. A sprint dominated by Milan in the last two hundred metres that left no room for any comeback which, once again, came at the end of another commendable day’s work from the team to build a golden opportunity.

“I have to say thanks like always to the Team. It was a bit chaotic in the final but they helped me in the best way possible during the race so I’m really happy and proud of us, and all that we did today.

What Jasper [Stuyven] did in the last two kilometers it was simply perfect. We knew it was crucial to take this chicane in the first position and he really put me in the best place. We knew it was tricky and last year there was a crash. It was really important and he did a super job leaving me in the front. A masterclass leadout!”

“Every sprint has its own story,” said again Jonny.

“Today, compared to the first stage, we had a trickier course to race. The peloton was clearly nervous, especially on the final circuit with narrow roads and lots of corners. Racing together and holding the position was difficult, but we did a great job at key moments.

“We have achieved a high level of cohesion and, from the beginning of the year to now, we worked a lot the mechanisms of the leadout. On days like these, we can really act as the leading team. The results then come because, in addition to strength and good tactics, there is a strong bond between us and a great hunger for victory. We all work towards one goal. I have the duty to finalise, but victory is built from the beginning, working to control the breakaway and then holding the position. The dedication and motivation that each of us has, makes everything easier. That’s Teamwork, with a capital T!”

The Belgian stage race will offer two more chances for results. Tomorrow, on paper, is another day for the sprinters, while Sunday will be the queen stage with a Flemish classic route, with climbs such as the Paterberg and the iconic Kapelmuur.

“I am 23’ seconds behind the GC leader [7th position] and fighting for the overall victory it’s really not an easy thing. Let’s take it day by day. Tomorrow I think will be a bit windy so we need to be careful, but for sure we will try to do another nice race. On Sunday, let’s see what will come out”

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek - Green Points Jersey competes during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Jacopo Mosca of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek competes during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: (L-R) Mathieu Van Der Poel of The Netherlands and Team Alpecin - Deceuninck and Edward Theuns of Belgium and Team Lidl - Trek compete during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Quinn Simmons of The United States and Team Lidl - Trek competes during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Senne Leysen of Belgium and Team Alpecin - Deceuninck and Quinn Simmons of The United States and Team Lidl - Trek lead the peloton during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Quinn Simmons of The United States and Team Lidl - Trek leads the peloton during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Simone Consonni of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek competes during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: (L-R) Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek - Green Points Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Jasper Philipsen of Belgium and Team Alpecin - Deceuninck during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: (L-R) Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek - Green Points Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Stage winner Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek - Green Points Jersey sprints at finish line during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

ARDOOIE, BELGIUM - AUGUST 30: Jonathan Milan of Italy and Team Lidl - Trek celebrates at podium as stage winner during the 20th Renewi Tour 2024, Stage 3 a 185.5km stage from Blankenberge to Ardooie / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Ardooie, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)