"Speed is something I've always loved" - Jonathan Milan and what drives him to be the best sprinter in the world

Lidl-Trek had the budget and two winters ago they signed Jonathan Milan from Bahrain - Victorious. In the years that followed, they've turned the Italian into a proven winner with a world-class leadout and an enviable palmarès. At the Singapore Criterium, Milan explained his motivations.

"My first goal is to have fun, if you're not having fun you can't make it to the end of the season," Milan said in words to Marca. "I'm a fan of anything fast. I think speed is something I've always loved; I adore that feeling."

And in Singapore he experienced it. In an exhibition race, he was put side by side with Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay, with him taking the victory at the Tour de France event. There, he was wearing the green jersey he collected in July, fruit of the successful work in the sprints and a team focused on that goal. Milan's only competition was Tadej Pogacarr, who did not actually try to rival the Italian.

Behind those results is Milan's 'need for speed': "It's the adrenaline rush it gives you; it always pushes you to go a little further. I love it. Every time the season ends, I ask myself the same question: What can I improve? I'm lucky to have the team I work for. We're working on my position on the bike; it won't be anything drastic, but there will be some small adjustments."  

Milan leaves it open, there is no answer at the time being. "This year we pulled off a major upset in France. Now we have to work on next season's calendar with the goal of winning and having fun."

However it is known that Mads Pedersen is aiming to be in the Tour's lineup and after a year of being absent, alongside Milan's victories and green jersey, logic would have it that Pedersen will be returning next summer whilst the Italian and his leadout could be heading to the Giro d'Italia.