'Winning is the best thing there is' – Alec Segaert springs late attack to win Giro d'Italia stage 12

Belgian rider Alec Segaert secured a remarkable victory on stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia, marking the most significant win of his career to date. The 23-year-old, competing in his first Giro, launched a decisive attack with just over three kilometres remaining, breaking away from the peloton on a sweeping right-hand bend. Maintaining a solo effort at an average speed exceeding 50kph, Segaert managed to hold off the chasing group to cross the line three seconds ahead, adding a fourth career win to his record and his second of the season. Segaert’s triumph was the culmination of careful planning, as he revealed that he had identified the perfect moment to attack the evening before the stage. He credited the hard pace set on the climbs and the efforts of rival teams’ sprinters’ support riders for creating the ideal conditions to launch his late move. The young Belgian expressed immense satisfaction with his performance, especially after a disappointing 16th place in the individual time trial on stage 10, viewing this victory as a strong comeback. The stage itself, covering 175 kilometres from Imperia to Novi Ligure, was expected to favour sprinters, provided they could stay in contact over two category-three climbs. However, the climbs proved selective, with some riders, including Jonathan Milan and Paul Magnier, falling behind and finishing well off the pace. Meanwhile, Segaert’s Bahrain Victorious team enjoyed further success as Afonso Eulálio, the race leader, extended his advantage in the general classification by gaining six bonus seconds at an intermediate sprint, now holding a 33-second lead over Jonas Vingegaard. Segaert’s victory not only highlights his potential as a rising talent in professional cycling but also underscores Bahrain Victorious’s strength in the race, with both stage wins and the maglia rosa jersey in their possession. As the Giro progresses, the Belgian’s bold attack and the team’s consistent performances set the stage for an exciting battle in the coming stages, with the young rider eager to build on this breakthrough success.