Jonathan Milan escapes fractures after UAE Tour crash as Lidl-Trek monitor sprinter closely

Jonathan Milan’s 2026 UAE Tour was thrown into uncertainty on the opening day after a heavy late crash abruptly ended his chances of contesting the stage win and left Lidl-Trek anxiously assessing their lead sprinter’s condition.

The Italian, who won on the same finishing straight last year, went down inside the final kilometre of Stage 1 after being unable to avoid a fall involving Alberto Dainese, as Isaac del Toro took the win. Milan hit the asphalt hard and remained on the ground for an extended period before eventually remounting and crossing the finish line, a worrying sight given the speed and positioning at which the incident occurred.

Initial medical checks after the stage offered some reassurance. Lidl-Trek confirmed that examinations revealed no fractures, easing immediate fears of a forced withdrawal from the race. However, the crash was not without consequence.

Milan sustained injuries to his right hand and right knee, as well as his left elbow and left hip, a spread of impacts that reflects the violence of the fall rather than a single point of contact. While none were deemed serious enough to warrant an immediate exit, the extent of the bruising and soft tissue damage places his short-term condition firmly under observation.

In a brief statement, Lidl-Trek said Milan will be closely monitored on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, with particular attention paid ahead of the individual time trial. The team added that further updates will only be issued if necessary, signalling a wait-and-see approach rather than any immediate decision.

Beyond the physical assessment, the crash represents a significant sporting setback. Milan arrived at the race as one of the standout sprint favourites, especially on a finish he had already mastered twelve months ago. Instead, a chaotic finale turned opportunity into damage limitation, with survival rather than victory becoming the priority.

Whether Milan is able to resume full sprint duties as the race unfolds remains unclear. For now, the absence of fractures keeps him in the race, but the coming 24 hours will be decisive in determining how much the crash reshapes both his own ambitions and Lidl-Trek’s plans for the remainder of the UAE Tour.