Jonathan Milan continued his outstanding Giro d’Italia with another top result as he sprinted to second place in Caorle, beaten by Dainese (DSM) at the photo finish.
Stage 17 from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle (196.5km) could be considered a transition one after the tough Monte Bondone day. The peloton enjoyed a sunny day running on a completely flat course from the mountains to the seaside. Keeping in mind that the stage was the penultimate chance for sprinters, the fast men’s teams controlled the four-man breakaway.
The Bahrain Victorious’ ciclamino jersey Jonathan Milan was protected well throughout the day to bring him safely towards the finish and improve his tally in the points classification, with the hope of a stage win.
With only four points left in the intermediate sprint following the breakaway riders, they were easily taken by Milan, who was looking forward to sprinting to win in front of his whole family.
After the last survivor of the day’s break Senne Leysen (Alpecin Deceuninck) was caught with 5km to go, the sprinters’ squads started to work for their men on a nervous course that led to the seaside town of Caorle. With 300 metres to go Matthews (Jayco Alula) opened the sprint. Jonny came from behind to contest the stage but his power was not enough to defeat Dainese.
“There is a bit of bitterness” Milan said after his 4th-second place at this Giro. “I don’t have to be disappointed for a second place at the Giro, but after the fantastic job done by the team, I wanted to repay the guys with a win. They controlled the race with the goal of bringing victory. And for this reason, I’m sad about not having finalised it with the highest spot on the podium.
Milan firmly maintained the ciclamino jersey on his shoulders for the 16th day. He’s leading the points classification with 215 points and a gap of 94 points over the second, Derek Gee (IPT). Rome is 5 stages away, and it will also be the last opportunity for sprinters.
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