Alec Segaert wins Giro d’Italia stage 12 as Eulálio extends lead

Belgian rider Alec Segaert claimed a stunning solo victory on stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia on Thursday, securing his first Grand Tour win while his Bahrain Victorious teammate Afonso Eulálio strengthened his hold on the overall race lead.

The 175-kilometer stage from Imperia to Novi Ligure, which was widely expected to culminate in a bunch sprint, was instead decided by a daring late attack. Segaert, a 23-year-old debutant at the race, launched his move from the peloton with just over three kilometers remaining. He powered ahead, holding off the chasing pack to cross the finish line three seconds clear, with enough time to raise his arms in celebration. His compatriot Toon Aerts won the sprint for second place, followed by Guillermo Thomas Silva in third.

The stage’s outcome was shaped by aggressive racing on two third-category climbs in the middle of the route. The Movistar team set a fierce pace on the ascents, successfully distancing the race’s top sprinters, including Jonathan Milan and Paul Magnier, who were unable to rejoin the main group. This left a reduced peloton of around 59 riders to contest the finish.

Segaert said he had planned his winning move the previous...