Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia provided a much-needed break for the peloton, with a 185km route from Bra to Rivoli offering an opportunity for breakaway riders to shine. Bora-Hansgrohe’s Nico Denz won a dramatic three-way sprint to take his first Grand Tour stage victory. Meanwhile, Geraint Thomas maintained his overall race lead ahead of the next Alps stages.

Denz’s triumph came after a tight battle among the leading trio on the day’s final climb, with Denz, Skujins, and Berwick all reaching the summit together. In the final sprint, the German rider displayed his power and speed, reaching the finish line ahead of Skujins and Berwick by a short margin.

The stage favoured the breakout group, so it was a relatively calm day for the overall contenders. Geraint Thomas, still holding the race lead, finished safely in the peloton, ensuring his two-second advantage remained intact.

Stage 12 unfolded incident-free, providing a contrast to the previous day’s crash, which resulted in Tao Geoghegan Hart sustaining a fractured hip. The riders paid tribute to the victims of devastating floods with a minute’s silence before the stage started in Bra.

The initial breakaway group featured 30 riders and proved to be an engaging spectacle throughout the stage. Alberto Bettiol, Bauke Mollema, Sepp Kuss, and Davide Formolo were among the breakaway riders who exhibited their abilities in the difficult Langhe hills.

Denz Secures First Grand Tour Stage Win in Giro d’Italia Stage 12 Sprint Finish

Denz, Skujins, Berwick, and Alessandro Tonelli, the leading quartet, distanced themselves from the breakaway in a deluge, keeping a considerable lead. Despite many attempts by the chasers to cut the gap, the front group held firm, setting up an enthralling struggle for victory.

Denz’s victory was well-deserved for the German rider, who showed tenacity and perseverance throughout the stage. His unexpected attack on an uphill incline with 12km to go ultimately proved decisive, securing him the win.

Thomas Maintains Overall Lead as Giro d’Italia Heads to the Alps

As the Giro d’Italia heads to the Alps, the pressure on the overall leaders will intensify. Geraint Thomas will face fierce competition from contenders such as Primoz Roglic and Joao Almeida, as they tackle the challenging climbs and vie for the coveted pink jersey.

Stage 13 awaits the riders with two Category 1 climbs, summit finish in Switzerland at Crans Montana. The stage is likely to cause substantial changes in the overall rankings, creating a heated struggle between the contenders.