Official: Lidl-Trek finally confirms arrival of Italian sprinter Jonathan Milan

A move that was rumoured already for several months, now has been confirmed by Lidl-Trek. The breakthrough Italian star of the season Jonathan Milan is joining the American team to boost their sprinter ranks even further.

"From January to today, I have felt more and more eyes on me, more and more spotlights shining on me. I think it’s normal when a young rider does well and asserts himself in the races that count. But expectations are not complicating my life," Milan tells in a press release. "The fact that there are people who believe in me gives me confidence, nothing more. I am a rider who has always been demanding first of all with himself. That’s the pressure I have to deal with, the one that gives me the push, motivates me, and sometimes screws me. It will be one of the aspects I count on to work on and which I’m sure that Lidl-Trek will give me a lot of help with."

Milan, rider for Bahrain - Victorious, is a track specialist but this season has been one of the biggest revelations. After a few years as a domestique he found himself winning a stage at the Saudi Tour, however it was at the Giro d'Italia that he showed his true talent. A powerhouse sprinter, he won the first bunch sprint of the race and finished second on four occasions, riding to victory in the important points classification. At only 22 years of age he makes another move in his career in what is a three-year deal with Trek where he will join Mads Pedersen and several compatriots.

"My biggest wish for my new adventure with Lidl-Trek is to get results, grow and enjoy what I do. I am confident that I have made the best choice to achieve these goals," he assures. "I believe that feeling fulfilled in what you do is the key to doing better and better. It’s like lighting a fuse. In short, I want to end on a high note this great year and then throw myself headlong into the new chapter of my career.”