GCN: Giro d’Italia stage 4: Jonathan Milan takes memorable sprint win

Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) sprinted to victory on stage 4 of the Giro d’Italia, opening up early on the fast finish into Andora and putting down the power to hold off his competitors all the way to the line.

Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) took second just behind the Italian, whilst Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious) took third in the high-speed bunch kick.

With the Capo Mele climb punctuating the finale of the Milan-San Remo-style stage, Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) tried a late attack, launching with 4km to go on the climb, and looked to be away at one point, but was brought back with 600m to go as Lidl-Trek opened up the lead-out.

Simone Consonni dropped Milan off with around 300m to go, leaving the Italian on the front for a long time, but his strength proved enough with none of Groves, Bauhaus or stage 3 winner Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) able to come round him at all. Winner of the sprints jersey in 2023, this is Milan’s second Giro d’Italia stage win, and his first of this year’s race after taking second on Monday.

“So many emotions now. I said from the beginning we came here with one goal for everyone,” Milan said at the finish.

"Today the guys did an amazing job, it’s such an amazing sensation to win again here in the Giro d’Italia. I really have to say thanks always to my teammates, they believe in this day, and also it’s pretty special because my parents are here, so I’m really happy.

“I want to say thanks also to the people who are watching me from home, who were really close to me in this period before and in these moments, so thanks to everyone. We saw Ganna going really full gas in the last climb. We caught him with 900m to go – he also helped us in a way, let’s say. Then Simo did a fantastic lead-out and I just had to play my cards then.”