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Nico Denz after his arrival in Rivoli
Photo: Gian Mattia D'Alberto / AP
On the 12th stage of the Giro d'Italia, professional cyclist Nico Denz impressively ensured the next German stage victory. After a long ride at the front, the 29-year-old from Team Bora-hansgrohe secured his first stage victory in a Grand Tour in the sprint, celebrating the greatest success of his career. He succeeded top sprinter Pascal Ackermann, who had triumphed in the bunch sprint the day before.
In the sprint of the three-man leading group, Denz had the best legs and left his two competitors standing. Second place went to Toms Skujins from Latvia ahead of Australia's Sebastian Berwick. With his acclaimed success, Denz also ensured the first stage victory for the German racing team Bora-hansgrohe at the Tour of Italy.
"I don't know what to say. Of course, I'm super proud," said Denz at the finish in Rivoli. There were only monsters around me. I knew I had to throw everything in."
Around noon, UAE rider Ackermann and the rest of the field had set off in the Piedmont town of Bra. Top sprinter Ackermann had redeemed himself and the German professional cyclists on Wednesday with his first Giro stage victory since 2019 and held back on the intermediate 179 kilometers this time.
On Friday we will go to Switzerland
Denz was different, who drove offensively from the start and was part of various leading groups. On the pre-decisive poisonous climb about 30 kilometers before the finish, he fought his way over the summit on the rear wheel of his opponents before the finale began.
Nothing changed at the top of the overall standings, with Britain's Geraint Thomas continuing to lead ahead of Primož Roglič from Slovenia.
On Friday, the next real endurance test is on the agenda. It is over 199 kilometres from Borgofranco d'Ivrea to the mountain finish in the Crans Montana ski area in the Swiss Alps. The top riders have to overcome a total of three climbs in the first category in the battle for the overall classification.
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