Dutchman Olav Kooij, beating compatriot Casper van Uden, snagged the victory in stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia with a swift sprint finish. The exciting race saw Mexico’s Isaac del Toro maintaining a strong hold on the overall lead, while the top contenders played it safe throughout the day. Kooij, supported by teammate Wout van Aert from Visma-Lease a Bike, made a thrilling comeback after Van Uden’s initial lead, ultimately securing the win in a nail-biting finish.
Aussie sprinter Kaden Groves struggled to keep up with the pace set by the Dutch riders, finishing in fifth place. The race leader, Del Toro from UAE Team Emirates, extended his lead with a strategic move during the last intermediate sprint, now holding a 33-second advantage over teammate Juan Ayuso. Meanwhile, the Italian Antonio Tiberi from Bahrain Victorious trails behind in third place, over a minute off the lead.
The 172km journey from Modena to Viadana showcased the skills of the sprinters, with teams vying for position in the final stretch. Van Aert’s bold decision to lead out early before the crucial corner set the stage for Kooij’s impressive win. The young Dutch rider expressed gratitude towards his team for the exceptional support, highlighting the teamwork that led to his victory. As the riders gear up for stage 13, covering 180km from Rovigo to Vicenza, the competition is sure to intensify, promising more thrilling moments in the Giro d’Italia.