Jonathan Milan world champion, Filippo Ganna bronze medal. At the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, Italy redeemed itself in the individual pursuit after having missed out on gold in the team final the previous day. Two successes against as many Danish opponents: Milan beat Frederik Madsen in the title match, while Ganna overcame Rasmus Pedersen in the final for third place.
Milan, first the world record and then the gold
Milan finished the final in 4’00″769, a time sufficient to dominate Madsen. In the morning, in the qualifiers, he had done even better: with 3’58″850 he had lowered by 303 thousandths the world record which he had already held for two years. For the “Buja Bull” it is the second world title in the individual pursuit after that of 2024 and the tenth world medal on the track. Its success also gives Italy the first gold of the expedition to China. «To say that I am very happy is an understatement», commented Milan. Gold in the individual pursuit «was a goal of the season, to get back on track in this way. Not only in the individual pursuit, but also in the team pursuit, which for me was an excellent result ahead of Los Angeles. Today was the last sprint of the year and so I tried to do my best, already in qualifying, even if I didn’t think I’d break the record.” On the double match against Denmark, the Italian added: «I like the healthy competition that exists between our national teams, they are combative guys».
Ganna returns to the individual world podium
Shortly before, Ganna had won bronze in 4’02″275, thanks to a progression in the second part of the race. For him it is the eighth world medal in the individual pursuit and the return to the podium of the specialty three years after the last time. «We did everything possible to honor this trip as best as possible. Now everyone deserves holidays», declared Ganna, who in qualifying had finished in 4’00″976 without being able to reach the final for gold. «I didn’t have, like other opponents, the wake of those who came between me and Milan. It would have been nice to have an all-Italian final. However, I can’t complain,” he added.
In 2027 also together with Lidl Trek
Next year Milan and Ganna will also be companions on the road, wearing the Lidl Trek shirt, which made Ganna’s hiring official in recent days. «Jonny and I grew up together, we made many trips, many retreats and next year we will race with the same jersey. I hope we will continue to do well hand in hand”, concluded Ganna.