Milan 'crazy tired' after 20-second sprint, already dreaming of success in the Monuments: "We have a very strong team"

Jonathan Milan had to work hard for it, but with a long final sprint, the Italian from Lidl-Trek won the difficult first stage of the UAE Tour. On Tuesday, he will try to defend his lead in the short, flat time trial, but the effort has taken a lot out of the sprinter. However, this gives him courage for the coming spring, when he dares to dream of the highest attainable.

After a perfect lead-out by world champion Tadej Pogacar, Milan started with 250 meters to go. With the uphill stretch, it was a very tough test, but one that he could finish successfully. "I'm exhausted," Milan explained in the flash interview. "The heat, the temperature, and the last 700 meters were tough, more than I thought. It was an intense day."

The riders could warm up initially, but the finale was nervous, with a problematic last kilometer. "It was a bit relaxed at first, but there were some crosswinds. In the end, everyone rejoined the group. I have to thank my boys because they have kept everything under control. They supported me so well and guided me to the end. I am pleased with that."

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Tomorrow, a time trial: "But first, a little rest"

Milan quickly found himself alone in the last kilometer. "We didn't want to be too far back in the last kilometer but not too far ahead. Ultimately, I was in the perfect position to finish those last 200 meters in the best way possible." He had to go early there, but with a 20-second sprint, the Italian giant managed to hold off Jasper Philipsen, who was later disqualified.

Tomorrow, a time trial awaits Milan. He will probably do well with his lead in the GC and his qualities on the track, but that also depends on his ability to recover. "I am exhausted now, but tomorrow, I will try to defend the leader's jersey. But first, I will need to rest."

After catching his breath, Milan elaborated on Tuesday's time trial. The Italian, world record holder in the 4-kilometer pursuit on the track, will do his best there. "The time trial is not very long," he also notes. "But some strong guys at the start are more specialized than I am. But I will certainly try to defend the jersey so that I will do my best."

No leader in Roubaix (yet)? "I'll try for myself in the future"

Last year, the Italian already showed his skills in the spring classics, and this year, he will again participate in events such as Paris-Roubaix. Can he win there next spring? "This year, I don't know. But there are a few races that I love. We have a powerful team with Mads, Jasper, and others. I am looking forward to racing with them, but I hope to take a shot at winning myself in the future."

The Italian Stallion then responded to the disqualification of Jasper Philipsen. He did not see it happening himself, but a lot will change with the yellow card system. But not for Milan. "I'll just sprint like always," he states. "I don't think any sprinters want to do anything wrong, so we'd rather not get that yellow card. We'll do our best as always and let the jury decide."

Read also

Fourth last year in the Tour of Flanders, but now back as domestique: "Pogačar isn't afraid of Van der Poel or Van Aert"

"Tadej just had his breakfast," says Alaphilippe, who shares his opinion as the Pogacar of his time: "It makes me sad"

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