Lidl-Trek rider Jonathan Milan claimed the Italian national road race championship in Cuneo, besting Tommaso Dati and Alessandro Romele in a sprint finish after a 225-kilometer race. The victory marks Milan’s 33rd professional career win, securing him the tricolore jersey, which he will debut at the Tour de Pologne in August, according to team reports.
How the Lidl-Trek Team Secured the Victory
The Lidl-Trek squad dictated the race pace throughout the 225-kilometer course, which saw temperatures climb to 35 degrees Celsius. According to team management, riders including Jacopo Mosca, Matteo Sobrero, and Simone Consonni controlled the peloton, while Andrea Bagioli and Giulio Ciccone provided tactical support in the final stages. Milan, who had not raced since winning the final stage of the Giro d’Italia in Rome, successfully neutralized a late-race attack from Filippo Baroncini inside the final kilometer before launching his winning sprint.
What the Tricolore Means for Milan’s Future
For Jonathan Milan, the national title represents a career milestone that balances his success on the track—where he is an Olympic and world champion—with his road racing ambitions. Milan stated that the victory was a realized dream, specifically crediting his teammates for their belief in his ability to clinch the win. While Milan has secured seven career Grand Tour stage wins—five at the Giro d’Italia and two at the Tour de France—he will not wear the national jersey at the upcoming Tour de France, opting instead to showcase the tricolore at the Tour de Pologne.
Why This Win Marks a Transition for Team Management
This championship victory carries additional weight for the Lidl-Trek organization as it marks the final Italian national title under the current tenure of team manager Luca Guercilena. Milan dedicated the win to Guercilena, acknowledging the manager’s upcoming professional transition. This victory serves as a bookend to a period of tactical development for the team, which has increasingly focused on controlling sprint finishes in major one-day and multi-stage events.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where will Jonathan Milan first wear the Italian national champion jersey? Milan is scheduled to debut the tricolore jersey at the Tour de Pologne in early August.
- How long was the championship race in Cuneo? The race covered 225 kilometers under high-heat conditions reaching 35 degrees Celsius.
- Who joined Milan on the podium? Tommaso Dati took second place, and Alessandro Romele finished third.
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