Milan sprints to the Tirreno-Adriatico race lead after winning stage 4

Rome: Italy’s Jonathan Milan sprinted to victory in stage four of the Tirreno-Adriatic cycling race on Thursday to take the overall win. The Lidl-Trek team rider finished the 207km race from Arone to Giulianova ahead of only Belgium’s Jasper Philipson and New Zealander Corbin Strong. The 23-year-old Milan moved from second to third before the stage, overtaking Spain’s Juan Ayuso to take the leader’s jersey by four seconds.

“This is not only an individual victory, but also a team victory,” said Milan. “I want to thank my teammates who have been by my side during the most difficult times and started the sprint perfectly.” He added: “I didn’t expect to wear the leader’s jersey, but I will enjoy it.”

Friday’s 144km fifth stage features a difficult climb to San Giacomo, 1,160 metres above sea level, with 20km to the finish. This could create an opportunity for Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who is fifth, 26 seconds behind, to attack.