'It's super important for me and our team' - Pressure builds on winless Jonathan Milan as sprinters set eyes on next Giro d'Italia sprint in Milan

Jonathan Milan and his Lidl-Trek team face mounting pressure to secure a stage victory at the Giro d’Italia, with limited sprint opportunities remaining before the race concludes in Rome next week. Despite being a four-time Giro stage winner and the maglia ciclamino holder in the past two editions, Milan has yet to claim a win in this year’s race. His best results so far include a second place on stage three and a fourth on stage one, but the sprinter remains determined to capitalise on the upcoming stage 15, a flat 157km route finishing in Milan, which could be one of the last genuine sprint chances. Milan acknowledged that the first two weeks of racing have been challenging, with chaotic sprints preventing him from delivering the results he and his team had hoped for. He stressed the importance of stage 15, describing it as “super important” for both himself and the team to control the race and give their best effort. The stage includes four laps of a city-centre circuit near the historic Vigorelli velodrome, adding a tactical element to what is expected to be a high-speed finish. Milan remains confident that there will be at least one more sprint stage on the final day in Rome, offering another opportunity to add to his tally. Among Milan’s main rivals is Paul Magnier of Soudal-QuickStep, who has already won two stages in this Giro and is aiming for a third in Milan. Magnier believes the pressure on Milan could work to his advantage, as the Italian sprinter is highly motivated to break his winless streak. Both riders acknowledge the intensity of the competition and the strength of their respective teams, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the sprint finishes that remain. Magnier emphasised his own confidence and the support he has around him as he targets further success. The outcome of the upcoming sprint stages could have significant implications for the points classification and the overall sprint hierarchy in this year’s Giro. Milan’s pursuit of a fifth stage win in the race underscores his status as one of the fastest sprinters in the peloton, while Magnier’s recent form signals a rising challenge. As the race heads into its final week, the pressure on sprinters to perform is intensifying, with fans and teams alike watching closely to see who will emerge victorious in the closing chapters of the Corsa Rosa.