Sprinters are getting little change from Tirreno-Adriatico: “I’ll do everything to reach the final stage”

At the pre-race press conference, Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek and Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick-Step were among the riders invited to speak. The conclusion was a simple one. “This is not a Tirreno-Adriatico for sprinters,” Milan laughed, in the frank manner that has become typical of him.

Milan knows he will still have to fight hard even on Wednesday. “The whole week looks incredibly tough, but I’ll do everything I can to reach the final stage and contest the sprint there,” said the winner of the last two finishes in San Benedetto del Tronto.

There is another reason behind Milan’s participation in Tirreno-Adriatico. “I’m also racing with Milan-Sanremo and the other upcoming races in the back of my mind,” said the Giant of Buja.

“I know how Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar have started their seasons, but my goal is still to make it over the Poggio with the first group,” Milan had already said in Lido di Camaiore.

Magnier is also riding Tirreno-Adriatico partly with La Primavera in mind. “The long stages in this Tirreno-Adriatico can help me on the way to Milan-Sanremo, a race I’m highly motivated for.”

“I know from last year how hard Tirreno-Adriatico can be,” continued the Frenchman, who crashed twice in the race a year ago. “But this year I’m also hoping to fight for stage results.”

Wednesday should give Magnier his first real shot. “I feel good and I have confidence after my stage wins in the Algarve, so we’ll try to take this opportunity with the team and go for the stage win.”