LA PLAGNE (France) – With the 20 points gained in the sprint at kilometre 12,1 and the ones for the third place of Pogacar, Milan's lead over Tadej in the fight for the green jersey is now 80 points. Luigi Marchioro and Eugenio Alafaci, the two masseurs of the Lidl Trek in charge of the arrival. “Gigio” is also the masseur of the Friulian, so when he reaches us 500 meters from the finish, his smile is one of those optimistic ones. (at the beginning, the two are together immediately after Laval's victory). The lead is large, not yet mathematical, but almost. Meanwhile, at the top of the mountain it has started to rain and the umbrella held by Alafaci proves to be providential. The race is announced 65 kilometers from the finish line, there's time to hear about "his" Milan.
In previous career, “Gigio” was Sonny Colbrelli's masseur. When then in 2021 at Bahrain Victorious the sprinter from Friuli arrived, who at that time he was more of a track cyclist than a great road racer, he was given the task of massaging him.
«The first time I found him on the bed – he smiles – I thought: Oh my goodness, what legs, there's so much work to do! He was 21 years old and we were in Belgium. And I told him something: "When you get off the couch, make yourself a full photo of your legs and every year keep doing it and you will see the development”. He definitely did until last year, because he told me about it. Johnny is good, he is a special person, with whom a relationship of great trust has been born».
Aside from the photos, have you seen her legs change?
Year after year, it gets better and better. Since last year, since he joined Lidl-Trek, there has been a further change due to his preparation, his age and also his mentality.He's in his second year with a team that relies on him and gives him the men to sprint: growth is truly inevitable.
The other day we asked him whether he found Mont Ventoux or the Tre Cime di Lavaredo in 2023, when he reached the summit wearing his cyclamen jersey after having a fever, more challenging. What do these climbs mean to him?
A tremendous handicap. I also remember last year when they crossed Monte Grappa twice at the Giro, they could have done a third time… When you treat a pure sprinter after a stage with a lot of climbing, the legs are nice and tough, hard, tarred.But it's a pleasure to massage him, because he makes you work well. Plus, like all the other guys on our team – whether Italian, French, or Belgian – when you finish giving him the massage, Milan also puts his hand on your shoulder and says thank you. And that is a satisfaction.
How is the massage done? Jonathan Milan?
A nice, deep, intense massage, because that's how he likes it. The duration varies between an hour and an hour and a quarter.He relaxes, that's the beauty of it. Especially when he rolls over on his stomach. He says to me, "Look, I'm thinking now." And that usually means he's about to fall asleep (smiles, ed.).
An entirely manual massage or also with some machinery?
No, manual. A few times with Tecar, let's say that 80-90 percent of it is always manualAfter massaging Johnny for an hour, I also build muscles (laughs, ed.).
Do you massage the whole body evenly or are there differences?
It depends on the stage. After a time trial, I'm someone who works both on my legs and my back.And it also depends on the stage you did the day before the time trial. Because maybe you're already working on your back to give it a little more flexibility. And the same thing is done after the time trial, because the position is not the most comfortable and you need to get your back back in shape.
Was the first Tour a test from a muscular standpoint as well? Did you feel different from other races?
Yes, absolutely, the first Tour is completely different. Physically, but also psychologicallyJonathan had come here with the ambition of winning the first stage, which would have meant wearing the yellow jersey. It didn't go well, but not because of him, but rather because of that fan. The goal remained to win as many stages as possible and take the green jerseyLet's say we're close to achieving it, with two wins and two second places, which could have also been victories.
Is the masseur still the rider's true confidant or are these outdated habits?
In my opinion, If the rider trusts his masseur, he trusts everythingYou know very well that I followed Colbrelli and noticed the same thing that's happening now with Johnny. It's not that I'm asking him for anything, it's him who spontaneously starts speakingMaybe it has something to do with age, since I could be his father.
Another of the old fixed points is that the masseur can understand from the legs whether the rider has a great result on the way.
I always think that the masseur is an important figure for the rider. You feel the muscle, but you also feel how it speaks to you, the difference between one day and the next.When he came in second he was furious, but the day before he won again, he said: “Tomorrow there is no Merlier who can hold back, tomorrow I will win!”. Johnny is a bit stubborn, but when he does declare them, he rarely gets them wrong.
Did Johnny suggest you follow him to Lidl-Trek?
Yes, that's how it went. We were back in Belgium and he asked me if I wanted to follow him. My contract with Bahrain was expiring. They would have kept me, but when Johnny asked me, I had no doubts: if you're happy, there's no reason to end the collaboration. In addition, there was also a speech related to his family, which is fundamental for him.And everyone at his house had noticed that when I'm around, he's calm and relaxed. And that's where it all started, also to gain a new experience in a big team.
What's it like when it hits you at the finish line?
Whether he wins, loses or gets to 45 minutes, a pat on the back is always given, absolutelyBecause I always think that he struggles more than the one who wins, like everyone else. He arrives and says: “How much effort today too, how much effort today too!”. And I reply: “Hang in there, it's over soon. Hang in there, it's over soon.” What do you want to do? The hug is always affectionate and serves to give him a bit of energy, confidence, support.This applies to any rider. Yesterday I also went to congratulate Simone Consonni, because I saw his effort.
In your opinion, is Milan suffering more for the green jersey or was it harder with the first cyclamen, especially after he was ill?
Good question! In my opinion, he is suffering more for the green jerseyIt's a symbol he wants to bring home at all costs. That's why I think he'll be happy when he finishes today.
