12th stage of Giro d'Italia 2026 from Imperia to Novi Ligure

The stage starts in Imperia and initially runs along the Ligurian coast, retracing some of the classic sections of the Milan-Sanremo cycle race in the opposite direction.
- Coastal section (Riviera di Ponente): The riders pass several coastal towns in the Savona region (such as Finale Ligure, Spotorno and Noli itself, where the caravan passes but does not reach the finish).
- The hinterland and the Apennines: After leaving the sea behind, the route heads inland to cross the mountains towards Piedmont. A few climbs are to be expected, such as the Colle del Giovo or the Bric Berton, which will serve to thin out the peloton or form a breakaway group.
- The arrival in the province of Alessandria: As soon as the Piedmontese territory is reached, the route passes through Ovada, Cassinelle, Molare, Silvano d'Orba, Capriata d'Orba and Pasturana.
- The finale: The finishing straight in Novi Ligure is flat and lends itself to a spectacular bunch sprint. The town is hosting a Giro stage for the first time since 2019 (when Caleb Ewan took victory).