The Giro d’Italia has been plagued by plenty of withdrawals in recent days. In particular, Soudal-QuickStep came out worst in the covid issue, with Remco Evenepoel‘s withdrawal followed by those of Mattia Cattaneo, Jan Hirt, Josef Černy and Louis Vervaeke. Therefore, only three riders are left in the race: Davide Ballerini, Pieter Serry and Ilan Van Wilder. “The Wolfpack never gives up,” tweeted the team.
The Wolfpack never gives up ✊
Good luck in today’s #Giro stage, guys! pic.twitter.com/YbAlCbInAs
— Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team (@soudalquickstep) May 17, 2023
Pascal Ackermann took stage win in Tortona, but what also impressed was Jonathan Milan‘s sprint, as he regained several metres and positions in the final straight and came within an inch of victory. “This Jonathan Milan reminds me of a young Marcel Kittel. Real powerhouse” tweeted Thomas De Gendt. Marcel Kittel was undoubtedly one of the most powerful and successful sprinters of the last decade.
This Jonathan Milan reminds of a young Marcel Kittel. Real powerhouse.
— Thomas De Gendt (@DeGendtThomas) May 17, 2023