Jonathan Milan wins stage 13 to claim hat-trick in Giro d'Italia

Points leader Jonathan Milan showcased his dominance in the 2024 Giro d'Italia by clinching his third stage victory in a thrilling sprint finish on stage 13.

The 179km flat stage from Riccione to Cento, ideally suited for the towering 6ft 4in Italian, saw him overcome challenging conditions to secure the win.

Despite a setback when Milan and his Lidl-Trek team were dropped in cross-winds with 61km remaining, they tenaciously closed the gap to rejoin the peloton.

Milan's team then took control in the final kilometers, setting up a perfect lead-out for their sprinter.

Movistar's Fernando Gaviria initiated the sprint, but Milan powered past the Colombian to claim victory in style.

Reflecting on the race, Milan expressed his gratitude and pride in his team’s efforts: "I was delivered in perfect position before the sprint. Simone Consonni started his lead out from 400m to go. It's impressive how everyone on the team was committed to the sprint finish. I'm super happy and proud of my team."

Poland's Stanislaw Aniolkowski finished a close second for Cofidis, while Germany's Phil Bauhaus took third place for Bahrain Victorious.

In the overall standings, Slovenian Tadej Pogacar retained the leader's pink jersey for UAE-Team Emirates.

Colombian Dani Martinez of Bora-Hansgrohe remained in second place, with Welshman Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers holding onto third.

The Giro now heads into a pivotal phase with stage 14's individual time trial, a discipline where Pogacar excelled earlier in the race.

Looking ahead, Pogacar stated, "Tomorrow I hope to have the same feelings as the last time trial and finish very strongly."

As the race progresses into the mountains, the battle for the pink jersey intensifies, promising more excitement and dramatic shifts in the general classification.