Italian sprinter Jonathan Milan of Lidl Trek fulfilled expectations by winning the third stage of the 75th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. The opening two days set the scene in Alicante province, and on Friday the race reached a point where the final sprint would decide the victor. Milan surged in the closing meters of the Orihuela finish, proving he is not a rising star but a current force in the peloton.
Italian triumphs in Orihuela positioned Milan as the standout sprinter of the day, with his team delivering a flawless leadout to secure the win for Lidl Trek.
The action began in San Vicente del Raspeig with a crowded signature check, drawing cyclists, families, and fans eager to glimpse the world’s best riders up close. Matej Mohoric captivated the morning crowd with a display that quickly became a highlight of the day.
Officials in San Vicente del Raspeig welcomed the riders at the start, setting the stage for a memorable stage. The crowd lingered as the town’s leaders and race organizers prepared for the race to depart, marking a ceremonial moment that underscored the event’s prestige.
Once the signature checks wrapped up, the race kicked off with a flourish. Local dignitaries joined the field to mark the occasion, underscoring the race’s importance for the region and its people.
An early break formed in the first kilometers, bringing together six riders: Asier Etxeberria, Guillermo Silva, Ander Okamika, Nathan Smith, Unai Esparza, and Laurent Gervais. They built a lead of just over six minutes as the peloton settled into a steady tempo, tracing the route from Gost, Novelda, and Aspe toward Crevillent before the day’s ascent of the Puerto de Albatera, the sole major climb of the stage.
Ahead of the ascent, the breakaway maintained momentum while the peloton began to reel them in. The summit was reached with a gap of a little over two minutes, setting the stage for a dramatic finish on a route that would test the sprinters’ patience and precision.
With two kilometers to go the pace intensified, bringing the GC contenders and fast finishers into contention. The final kilometers featured a sequence of technical corners and narrowing roads, a scenario where millimeter precision from the sprint teams can decide the outcome. In the Vega Baja region the gaps tightened as the field reorganized for the finale. The breakaway clung to a slender advantage into the last two kilometers, illustrating the race’s tactical complexity and the control exercised by a well-drilled sprint squad.
Two kilometers from the line the peloton surged forward, and a sharp drop in speed left many riders isolated. Among those caught behind were some favorite finishers, including Australian sprinter Michael Matthews, who found it difficult to bridge back to the front. Only a select group with clean air and clear lines remained in contention as Milan’s team executed the decisive plan.
In the closing meters Milan’s position was flawless. The Italian rider unleashed the evidence of a well-tuned sprint train, and he crossed the line with a commanding performance. The win elevated Milan to the lead in the general classification’s green jersey reckoning and put Lidl Trek atop the team standings, with Alessandro Tonelli maintaining the yellow jersey and Santiago Buitrago continuing as the best young rider.
On the eve of the queen stage, anticipation focused on Saturday’s route from Teulada-Moraira to La Vall d’Ebo. The 175-kilometer course features five mountain passes, including Benitachell, Alto de la Cabaña, Tollos, and a new first-class ascent at Miserat, before reaching the finish in Vall d’Ebo. The day promises to be decisive in determining the overall winner of the edition, adding to the excitement and drama surrounding the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.
The 75 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana will start this Wednesday in Castellón and will be decided in Alicante
It is expected that the day of the queen stage will play a pivotal role in identifying the champion of the 75th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, with climbers and sprinters alike aiming to leave their mark on the final standings.
The route for Saturday’s stage between Teulada-Moraira and La Vall d’Ebo was revealed, highlighting a demanding course that will test every rider’s resilience and strategic acumen. The Stage profile suggests a drama-filled finish as riders navigate the mountain passes and push toward the concluding circuits that often decide the race’s fate.