'Guys have already asked me where I want to attack' – Hunt for Giro d'Italia breakaway success lives on in young Belgian inspired by Van Aert and De Gendt

Alec Segaert is emerging as a prominent breakaway specialist to watch at the 2026 Giro d’Italia, carrying forward the tradition of riders like Thomas De Gendt and Wout Van Aert. The young Belgian, currently with Bahrain Victorious, has expressed clear ambitions to animate the race through aggressive attacks and targeted efforts in the stage 10 time trial. While the opening stages may favour sprinters and general classification contenders, Segaert believes the latter part of the Giro will offer more opportunities for riders willing to escape the peloton and seize their moment in the breakaway. Segaert’s rise this season has been marked by a series of strong performances in the Classics, including notable finishes at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, as well as a victory at GP Denain. His attacking style has earned him a reputation for being a persistent threat, often launching late moves that force the peloton to respond. Even in the Giro’s early sprint stages, competitors have begun to anticipate his intentions, signalling his growing influence and the respect he commands as a rider who is unafraid to take risks. Drawing inspiration from some of the sport’s most dynamic and successful breakaway riders, Segaert cites Van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and De Gendt as key figures whose tactics and resilience he aims to emulate. He has studied their ability to manage breakaways effectively and adapt to the evolving race dynamics, learning from their experiences to refine his own approach. This blend of classic and Grand Tour expertise positions him well to become a consistent presence in the breakaways and potentially secure stage wins. Looking ahead, the structure of the Giro—with its challenging terrain and moments when the general classification contenders ease off—could play into Segaert’s hands. Breakaway riders often benefit when the peloton fragments or chooses to conserve energy, increasing the chances of a successful escape. As the race progresses into the more undulating stages in southern Italy, Segaert is expected to be a key protagonist, launching multiple attacks and testing his rivals’ resolve. His performances could signal the arrival of a new specialist of la fuga, adding an exciting dimension to the 2026 Giro d’Italia.