Giro ’26 St 12: Segaert Steals One in Novi Ligure

Alec Segaert claimed a stunning victory on Stage 12 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, outsmarting the sprint teams with a perfectly timed attack in the closing kilometres. The young Belgian rider from Bahrain Victorious launched his decisive move just over three kilometres from the finish in Novi Ligure and managed to hold off the chasing peloton to secure his first Grand Tour stage win. Fellow Belgian Toon Aerts followed closely to take second place, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Belgium, while Guillermo Thomas Silva rounded out the podium from a reduced group sprint. The 175-kilometre stage, running in reverse along the Milano–Sanremo roads from Imperia to Novi Ligure, featured selective climbs that gradually wore down the pure sprinters. The Colle Giovo and Bric Berton ascents, though not overly steep, proved enough to sap the strength of many fast men, including notable sprinters such as Dylan Groenewegen and Jonathan Milan. Movistar’s aggressive pace-setting on the climbs further thinned the sprint field, allowing riders like Segaert and Aerts, who excel in reduced sprints, to come to the fore. The final kilometres were fast and tense, with a long, straight run-in that typically favours organised sprint trains. However, Segaert’s surprise attack caught the sprint teams off guard, as hesitation allowed him to build a significant gap. Despite efforts from teams like Uno-X Mobility to close the gap, Segaert maintained his advantage, crossing the line with more than ten seconds to spare. The stage underscored the tactical complexity of the race and the importance of timing and boldness in the finale. Speaking after his victory, Segaert reflected on his journey from the Giro NextGen to the main Giro d’Italia, emphasising the satisfaction of bouncing back after a disappointing time trial. He credited the hard pace set on the climbs for tiring the sprinters and creating the perfect opportunity for his attack. His win not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted Bahrain Victorious’s strong presence in the race, with Afonso Eulálio retaining the Maglia Rosa and the team showing consistent strength. Stage 12’s outcome has significant implications for the sprint dynamics in the coming stages, signalling that the pure sprinters may struggle on the more selective terrain and that opportunists like Segaert could continue to capitalise on tactical openings. The race remains open and unpredictable, with teams needing to adapt quickly to the evolving challenges of the Giro’s varied route.