Norwegian national champion Andreas Leknessund escaped from a 15-man breakaway but was overtaken in the last climb by Alberto Bettiol who went on to win Stage 13 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia. Bettiol knew the finale at perfection and was under pressure because his last win was two years ago and his last win at the Giro was five years ago. The Tuscan won solo in Verbania.
Speaking in the press conference, the stage winner Alberto Bettiol said:
“Without a doubt, our team is having an amazing Giro, and I’m happy to be part of this team and this success. We have built a very united and close group. We approach the race and every stage very seriously, we help each other, and at the same time outside the race the atmosphere is very friendly and fun, which helps us achieve success.
For me, this is the first victory in the XDS Astana Team jersey, and I have waited a long time for the opportunity to repay the team, the management, the sponsors and Alexandr Vinokurov for all the trust and belief they placed in me. Today everything came together perfectly. I targeted this stage, I knew the finale well – I have ridden the last 50 kilometers, the final climb and the descent into Verbania many times before, these are my training roads.
I really wanted to win here because I consider Verbania my second home – my girlfriend and her family live here, and today they were at the finish together with my parents and my brother. For me, it was already special that the Giro finished in this city, that I had the chance to race here and that my family could be with me. And the fact that I also won today is simply incredible.”
Afonso Eulalio reached his goal to tackle the mountain stage in Valle d’Aosta in the lead of the overall ranking with an advantage of 33” over arch-favourite Jonas Vingegaard.
Eulalio said: “Today it was a perfect day for the breakaway. Many riders wanted to make it. My team did a perfect job. One more day for me in the Maglia Rosa and I just need to say thank you to all my teammates. Tomorrow, I will enjoy the day as much as I can. I will suffer and I will enjoy until the final climb. There, we’ll see what I can do. It’s already been incredible an incredible adventure for me”.
2026 Giro d’Italia Stage 13 Brief Results
- Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team) – 187 km in 3h51’33”, av. speed 48.456 km/h
- Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) at 26″
- Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step) at 44″
General Classification After Stage 13
- Afonso Eulalio (Bahrain Victorious)
- Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) at 33″
- Thymen Arensman (Netcompany Ineos) at 2’03”
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