"I saw Mads' form in Paris-Nice, and I can see he's in super good shape" - Jonathan Milan certain he and Mads Pedersen can bring Lidl-Trek joy at Milano-Sanremo

Although the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel are taking up much of the headlines ahead of Milano-Sanremo this weekend, there are a host of strong contenders heading to the startline full of self-belief. Among this group are the Lidl-Trek duo of Jonathan Milan and Mads Pedersen.

The pair of sprint powerhouses are in very good form at the moment too. At Tirreno-Adriatico last week, Milan bagged himself two stage wins en route to a points classification triumph, whilst simultaneously in France at Paris-Nice, Pedersen was climbing with some of the very best in the world, winning a stage of his own and taking a Green Jersey home. As such, there is understandable optimism from within the Lidl-Trek camp about their two star's chances heading into the first Monument of the 2025 road racing season.

"I saw Mads' form in Paris-Nice, and I can see he's in super good shape," acknowledged Milan himself when talking to the media following his brutal bunch sprint win on stage 7 of Tirreno-Adriatico 2025 on Sunday. "We're a strong team for next Saturday."

Pedersen too showcased impressive form on Sunday afternoon, going on a breakaway escapade in the mountains in order to assure himself the Green Jersey win at Paris-Nice. "With this form before next week, Milano-Sanremo and the Classics, it's really positive. Now we just have to stay healthy and keep going," the Dane reflected in his post-stage interview. "It was a really, really good day, and also a good training day."

As for what will happen between now and this weekend's battle, Milan is keen to do some recon of the key points in the Milano-Sanremo parcours. "I'll try to ride Cipressa and Poggio and the approaches to the last two climbs," he notes in conclusion. "So I'll try to get as ready as I can."