🎥 Does this confirm van Aert's upward trend? Belgian cyclist produces abnormal watts in masterful lead-out

Stage 12 to Viadana was highlighted in red for the sprinters. It was only the third sprint opportunity. Olav Kooij had also set his sights on this victory, and because he had not yet managed to win, the Dutchman was determined to triumph. And he succeeded impressively. Kooij could count on a strong Edoardo Affini and Van Aert, who took care of the final part of the lead-out.

And let's just say that the Belgian impressed. Van Aert took the lead a kilometer before the finish and set Kooij up 250 meters from the line—a lead-out of 750 (!) meters. Usually, you would say this is impossible, but the Belgian all-rounder proved once again that he is exceptional, which was also evident from the watts he pedaled.

Up to the corner, 300 meters from the finish line, he produced watts that averaged well over 800 – good for a speed of over 60 kilometers per hour. But after the dangerous corner, it wasn't over for van Aert. He picked up speed again and rode the last few hundred meters with an average wattage of over 1200 (!). Perhaps one of the best lead-outs ever?

They were certainly very impressed in the team car. In the lead-out, in which sports director Marc Reef cheered van Aert and Kooij forward, the Dutchman's final sprint caused an explosion of joy. This is understandable, given that this year has not gone as well as the Dutch team would have liked. But with two stage wins and Simon Yates high in the GC, it has been a great Giro so far.

And if Van Aert manages to maintain his form – or perhaps even improve it – stage 13 could be stage victory three for Visma | Lease a Bike in this Giro d'Italia. The finish line is on Monte Berico, a one-kilometer hill with a seven percent gradient. A new duel between van Aert and Pedersen may be in the making, but we should certainly not forget the GC contenders. One thing is sure: we can expect some spectacular scenes!