Jonathan Milan set for debut with Lidl-Trek and full cobbled classics campaign - "From Gent-Wevelgem to Paris-Roubaix"

After a breakthrough season in 2023, Jonathan Milan is ready to kick off a new year of racing with his new outfit. The Italian signed and became one of Lidl-Trek's leaders, and will be looking to perform in the sprints but also the cobbled classics.

"I’m good and I’m very happy with the path towards my debut. I had a good winter, focused on recovery and discovering the new Team," Milan said in a press release. "Of course I also spent many hours riding my new Trek Madone, but compared to the past I did it with less pressure, less stress in view of the debut. Let’s say I took it a bit easier than in the past, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less ready for it."

It is a planned beginning for the 23-year old, who will be at the start of the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana as one of the headliners this year. Milan was a stage and points classification winner at the Giro d'Italia last season, and is looking to build on that now with the American team. Over the opening month of racing he will be lining up with his new leadout consisting of Simone Consonni and Edward Theuns, and later team up with the likes of Mads Pedersen and Jasper Stuyven in the northern classics.

"I feel great motivation and confidence. It’s the first race of a new adventure and project, I’m super excited about it. My condition is not at the top, but as I mentioned, it was a very specific choice. My and the team’s ambition is to reach the first peak condition for the Classics," he reveals. "Therefore, we needed a different approach to this season than in the past. Hence the desire for a quieter off season, with a plan to grow in intensity and quality. Volta Valenciana will tell me where I am at, where I need to improve and which aspects I need to focus on in the coming weeks."

Milan will be at the opening weekend, and with his sprinting abilities, he should be a contender for races such as Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne and Gent-Wevelgem. Following the success of Jasper Philipsen - and other sprinters in the past - Milan is looking to test himself away from his main terrain. As a heavyweight and track specialist, Paris-Roubaix specifically could suit his characteristics.

"After Volta Valenciana, a training block will follow, then comes the first taste of Belgium with the Opening Weekend. In March I will race Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo, before moving North again for a full immersion of Classics," he tells. "From Gent-Wevelgem to Paris-Roubaix. It’s an ambitious and demanding calendar, which I intend to tackle step by step. I want to grow and learn; that’s what the team is also asking of me."