
After six years without winning a stage at the Tour de France, in the 2025 edition of the world's most important race, Italy not only finally reconnects with success but also achieves a prestigious double.
The credit goes to Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek who, after breaking the taboo in Laval on the eighth stage, today splendidly doubled down at the Valence finish line, beating Jordi Meeus (Red Bull BORA hansgrohe) and Tobias Lund Andresen (Picnic PostNL) in the sprint in what was the last chance for the fast wheels before the final Paris stage.
Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) did not sprint, having been involved without consequences in a fall that split the group just under the last kilometer's banner, while the presence and good sprint in the final hundreds of meters allowed both Davide Ballerini (XDS-Astana) and Alberto Dainese (Tudor Pro Cycling) to close the day in the top ten, obtaining 5th and 6th place respectively.