Italian cyclist Jonathan Milan secured his second stage victory in the Giro d’Italia on stage 11, outpacing Tim Merlier in a thrilling final sprint. The 207km stage from Foiano di Val Fortore to Francavilla al Mare featured a category three climb followed by a flat second half, favoring sprinters like Milan, who previously triumphed in stage four.
Merlier, the stage three winner, challenged Milan closely in the sprint but was relegated for a maneuver that obstructed Juan Sebastian Molano, allowing Kaden Groves to finish second. Milan’s triumph solidifies his position in the points jersey competition.
Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates maintained his overall lead, navigating safely through a late crash to finish with the peloton. Colombian Daniel Martinez of Bora-Hansgrohe remains in second place overall, with Geraint Thomas of Ineos holding onto third.
Milan reflected on his performance, stating, “Last year after I won, I was always up there in the sprints but I couldn’t win another one. It’s important to learn from the mistakes I’ve made in the past.”
Stage 12, scheduled for Thursday, will cover 193km from Martinsicuro to Fano, presenting another opportunity for riders to showcase their skills in the flatter terrain.
