Nicholas Kergozou continued to show his superior sprinting power over his opponents in the 179km long stage 12 from Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon. This is the second longest stage of the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup and is considered very harsh with sun, wind and many slopes.

Immediately after the start, continuous attacks were launched, causing the race to quickly split up. However, the Loc Troi An Giang Group team controlled the game very well to protect Mikhail Fokin's yellow jersey.

The formidable opponents were still kept in the large group behind, although the front had formed an escape group of nearly 10 riders. Nguyen Huynh Lan (Military Zone 7) won the first sprint point.

The highlight of the stage was the impressive escape of Nguyen Huynh Lan and Nguyen Truc Xinh (HCMC - New Group).

The pair were out in the lead for a long stretch of the race, and at one point they had a four-minute lead over the larger group. Not only did they work together effectively, they also shared the victory at the remaining two sprint points along the way.

But then, team 620 Vinh Long Agriculture, 620 Chau Thoi Vinh Long started to accelerate strongly.

With the clear strategy of bringing Nicholas Kergozou back to win the stage, they pulled the big group to close the gap. This forced the escape to an end in the final 13km and opened up a climactic sprint.

Kergozou and Van Binh compete in eye-catching speed in Quy Nhon

As the race raced towards the finish line, Johnny Hoogerland - a three-time Tour de France rider who currently plays for Ho Chi Minh City - Vinama - suddenly made a splash with an early attack in the last 800m, causing his opponents to scramble. However, he quickly slowed down, handing the stage back to the sprint kings.

In the last 100m, Nicholas Kergozou (620 Vinh Long Agriculture) exerted his strength. Nguyen Van Binh (HCMC - New Group) showed great effort when he followed closely, continuously swerving left and right to find a way to pass. But at the decisive moment, Kergozou made a classy push, reaching the finish line first amid loud cheers from the audience.

The seventh stage victory of the tournament helped Nicholas Kergozou continue to consolidate the overall green jersey and show his superiority in the speed stages.

The overall standings remain unchanged after 12 stages. Mikhail Fokin (Loc Troi An Giang Group) retains the prestigious yellow jersey. Le Ngoc Son, Fokin's teammate, maintains the orange jersey. Pham Le Xuan Loc (Military Zone 7) continues to wear the white jersey for the best young racer.

On April 16, the racers will rest in Quy Nhon City to recover, before entering stage 13 from Quy Nhon City to Pleiku City, 166km long. This is an important mountain stage with two passes An Khe and Mang Yang - considered a big challenge for the racers competing for the overall position.