The first stage he won at Tirreno-Adriatico last year was also uphill, very close between him and Philipsen.I don't really remember many other uphill sprints from Milan (apart from the one Bauhaus won last year), but I'd think with a couple more race days in already Philipsen could have beaten him today. He didn't look that special to me
I think today it was the fact Milan did 200m+ in the wind and uphill, Philipsen did about 50m and ran out of legs. Philipsen was better positioned so I agree I think he'd win this stage in July, but straight drag race? Milan takes it.
Edit: there was also actually a stage in last year's Benelux tour, where he beat Philipsen again, which was about 5% uphill, and his win in Saudi in 2022, which was more in the drag category. So, tbf, four wins is pretty good going.
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