Moment with Evenepoel says it all about the mindset of currently unstoppable Milan

Milan was already the best in Thursday’s bunch kick on stage 4, despite lingering pain in his right hand, left elbow and hip, and right knee. On Friday he backed it up again on stage 5.

The now 25-year-old Lidl–Trek fast man did it without a lead-out this time. He was perfectly placed near the front, avoided getting caught behind a crash involving his brother Matteo Milan (Groupama–FDJ), and then powered up the left-hand side to deliver another dominant sprint finish.

The fact Milan had to do it alone — with no final lead-out — stood out. But the sprinter himself made it sound straightforward. “Last year I finished third at this finish, and from that sprint I knew the final corner was really important.”

After that last bend it became every man for himself, even if XDS Astana tried to put a little train together. “From the corner it’s still a long way to the line and it was difficult for us to stay together. But I was well positioned and I could start my sprint.”

Milan said that was also the minimum after his team controlled the day. “You always have to look for an opening — especially when your team has worked so hard all day. I wanted to deliver for the team. I had to do it.”

Milan already has four wins in 2026: two in the AlUla Tour and now two in the UAE Tour. And, by his own account, he is only just getting started. He is clearly racing with confidence — highlighted by a light-hearted moment with Remco Evenepoel around 30 kilometres from the finish.

The Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe rider was caught on camera being invited to sprint along, but the reigning time trial world champion declined with a broad smile. Still, the moment said plenty about Milan’s current mindset: he is hunting wins everywhere he can find them in 2026.

“I want to win as much as possible. On Saturday we’ll be climbing, but on Sunday there’s another chance for the sprinters.”