"Finishing 2-3-4 is not what we wanted" - Mixed emotions for Jan Christen despite breakthrough podium at Milano - Torino
Cycling
UAE Team Emirates' 19-year-old Swiss talent, Jan Christen continues to impress in the early part of 2024 with a first podium finish of the season at Milano - Torino.
"It was a good race for us but Alberto Bettiol was just stronger today," Christen reflects in his post-race interview with UAE Team Emirates forced to settle for 2nd (Christen), 3rd (Marc Hirschi) and 4th (Diego Ulissi) behind the Italian, who finished as a lone leader.
"For me, it's a first time on the podium with the pros so it's special but we came here to win and now we are second and third," he analyses somewhat disappointedly. "Finishing 2-3-4 is not what we wanted."
In the final few kilometres, Bettiol was tantalisingly in touching distance of the chase but the catch just could not be completed. "BORA - hansgrohe were pulling hard," Christen recalls. "I was just waiting for the perfect moment to try and attack maybe I waited just a bit too long. In the end, I came but it was just not enough. Bettiol today was very strong and he deserved to win."
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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Rafionain-Glas08-11-2026 - He is boring
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Dariusz08-11-2026 - Uwielbiam patrzeć, jak wyjeżdża na czoło peletonu i zaczyna się rzeź...Dariusz08-11-2026
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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🗣️ "It's my first podium so it obviously feels special, but finishing 2-3-4 is not what we wanted" - 🇨🇭 @janchristen04 #MilanoTorino
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