Jonathan Milan and Paul Magnier see few sprint chances in Tirreno-Adriatico

The sprinters’ field in Tirreno-Adriatico is much stronger than the meager lineup in Paris-Nice, featuring Jasper Philipsen, Arnaud De Lie, Paul Magnier, and Jonathan Milan as the main contenders, but there are barely any opportunities for stage wins. The latter two regret this.

"We should be happy with two chances," says Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) to Sporza. "There aren’t many opportunities for sprinters. The climbers will also try to wear us down in those stages, making for tough sprints. With Van Gestel and Rex, I do have two strong lead-out men. I definitely feel very strong for the sprints, so why wouldn’t a victory be possible?"

At Milan, Lidl-Trek’s chosen fast man, the same story emerges to the Belgian media. "The sprinters are shortchanged this year," the Italian states. He had two stage wins in last year’s edition. "The final stage is a good chance. The second stage probably won’t end in a bunch sprint, but I’ll still try to stay in the mix. You never know."

Milan–San Remo
So why are the two riding this stage race? "I’m sharpening my condition with Milan–San Remo in mind. Although we saw again in Strade Bianche that Pogacar is on a level above everyone else," says Magnier.

Milan agrees: "This Tirreno is also a nice build-up to the classics. I’m still looking for those extra percentages. I need them to keep up the pace on the Cipressa and the Poggio. But it will be very tough."