Milan aims for Tour debut and names Kooij as one of his biggest rivals: "He's a bit more isolated"
Cycling
Jonathan Milan was among last season's most dominant sprinters. The 24-year-old Italian experienced a superb year with his new team, Lidl-Trek. He secured a spot in the absolute sprint top with eleven victories, including three in the Giro d'Italia. In 2025, he wants even better, but a Tour de France debut is also within the scope of his plans.
For the past two years, Milan rode the Giro d'Italia successfully. With four stage wins in total and two purple points jerseys added to his trophy cabinet, the Italian giant was a constant factor in his homeland. But now he wants to show himself on the highest stage. "I challenge myself because I always try to push my limits. Making your Tour de France debut ... Who wouldn't want that?" he wondered aloud to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Besides a debut in France, the spring classics and Milan-San Remo are a big goal for the Olympic track champion.
Eleven victories in 2024, and only Tim Merlier and Tadej Pogacar won more than the Italian superstar. But despite all the success, Milan knows he can do better and must do better to build on his success. "To win, you must make many good decisions quickly. You think over and over about what is happening. Sprinting is a collection of moments. I want to push myself and exceed my limits. I can improve in everything, from my position on the bike to my strength. And in the classics, I hope to learn a lot."
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Milan names its strongest rivals: "Will attempt to improve"
The competition is fierce: the sprint top is currently more diverse than ever, and no one stands out. He named Olav Kooij, Jasper Philipsen, and Merlier his three biggest rivals. "Kooij is a bit more isolated, Merlier is very good at catching up from behind, like during the last European Championships. Philipsen has an excellent team and knows how to use it perfectly. All three are very strong. And they too will attempt to improve." Van Kooij is almost sure he will not get involved in the Tour madness: the 23-year-old Dutch rider from Visma | Lease a Bike will probably ride the Giro again.
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Latest Comments
- This was very informative! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreiraluizantonioduarteferreira02-01-2025
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024