Jonathan Milan is well aware of the stakes in the first stage of the 2025 Tour de France in Lille. The Italian sprinter, making his debut in the Grande Boucle, knows that victory in the opening sprint would bring with it the prestigious prize of the first yellow jersey.

On the long, straight stretch that leads to the center of the city in northern France, Milan starts as the logical favorite. His shoulders, both physically and mentally, are broad enough to handle the pressure. After all, we are talking about an Olympic champion in the team pursuit who faces challenges with a smile and the right amount of light-heartedness.

"I already feel that the Tour is special, I feel the pressure but not too much," he told the media at the Team Lidl-Trek hotel. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time and we've prepared as best we can. I know it's not a day like any other, with the yellow jersey up for grabs."

"It's right to put pressure on ourselves because we want to win and get the yellow jersey, but I'm focused and relaxed. I know I have one of the best teams to support me and probably the best sprint train. All this helps me stay calm."

Only two Italians in history have managed to win the first stage of the Tour wearing the first yellow jersey: Gino Bartali in 1948 and Francesco Moser in 1975. The last Italian in yellow was Giulio Ciccone in 2019.

The 184.9km opening stage around the Pas-de-Calais region presents several pitfalls: crosswinds, city streets, street furniture and the typical tension of the first stage could cause crashes. The Lidl-Trek team will aim to stay at the front with Jasper Stuyven, Edward Theuns and last man Simone Consonni leading the train to Milan.

"There are 5-6 opportunities for me in this Tour," Milan concluded, listing Merlier, Philipsen, Groenewegen and Girmay as his main rivals. "We are all different sprinters, but it depends a lot on the individual sprint. The goal is to beat them on Saturday and take the yellow jersey."

Sprint Cycling Photo