Jonathan Milan won the last procession stage in a group sprint, while Juan Ayuso cruised home to complete his victory at the Tirreno-Adriatico on Sunday.
Italian Milan defeated Ireland’s Sam Bennett, who almost missed his attempt to catch the local hero on the line, to win the second leg of the week-long battle for the points jersey.
In San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic coast of Italy, the Lidl-Trek rider prevailed in a nail-biting finish where Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick-Step crashed and killed several other riders.
Milan told broadcaster RAI, “I’m happy to get the second win; it was a big goal for me and the team,” after suffering a serious setback on Wednesday.
“I eventually recovered to the best of my abilities. Although I still have some side pain, everything is okay.”
Ayuso, who first won a stage race in 2024 at the Tour of the Basque Country, rolled in with the peloton to win his second career victory.
In addition, the 22-year-old has won the Drome Classic and the Trofeo Laigueglia, two one-day events, in an outstanding start to 2025.
Last year’s “Race of Two Seas” saw Ayuso finish second to Jonas Vingegaard; he put in the effort on Saturday by defeating Frontignano in the Queen Stage, a demanding summit finish.
Filippo Ganna, who was favoured by Milan to win Milan San Remo, which kicks off the spring season next weekend, was 35 seconds behind him at the end of the week.
From the first stage until Ayuso’s spectacular performance in the mountains on Saturday, the race was headed by Ineos rider Ganna, a two-time time-trial world champion and an expert in track cycling.
“The person who finished the week second is the clear favourite. We’ve all witnessed his excellent health, and I’m glad to see him competing at the highest level,” Milan remarked.
Ayuso might spearhead the UAE’s attempt to win the Giro d’Italia again in May, one year after Tadej Pogacar, the team’s main star, easily won the championship.
