Toon Aerts left wondering what might have been after close call on Giro Stage 12

While the result marked a banner day for Belgian cycling, Aerts could not help but think about the missed opportunity after finishing second on the day behind Segaert.

"All in all, it was a great day for Belgian cycling," Aerts told Eurosport after the finish. Maybe it eases the pain a little that it's Segaert. A rider we know well from last year on our team. But to be honest: how great would it have been if I had perhaps won today?"

As mentioned, the finale came down to a reduced sprint behind Segaert after several high-profile contenders for the stage were dropped. Aerts positioned himself well for the kick but admitted he completely lost track of the eventual winner, the Belgian who took his first Grand Tour stage win, in the chaotic buildup to the line.

"To be honest, I didn't see him go," Aerts said. "I was mainly focused on taking the right wheels: Corbin Strong, Ethan Vernon, Jhonatan Narváez. And I only saw Alec when I launched my sprint and he was still riding ahead. It's a pity for me, but for him, of course, it's great."

The second-place finish provides a timely lift for Lotto-Intermarché. The squad has endured a difficult week on Italian roads, capped off by the forced abandonment of GC hopeful Lennert Van Eetvelt on Wednesday due to a finger injury.

"It is a pity that we lost Lennert Van Eetvelt on Wednesday," Aerts said. "He was in good form, we all saw that. Lennert said that his body is in perfect shape, except for that finger. So it is a pity that we have to lose him like this."

Despite the setback of losing their leader, Aerts emphasised that the team has no intention of rolling over for the remainder of the race. "But as riders and staff, we stayed motivated," he said.