May 22, 2026 – The Giro d’Italia concluded its 13th stage today. Alberto Bettiol of XDS Astana Team emerged victorious from a 15-rider breakaway group, launching a decisive solo attack on the final climb to claim the stage win by 26 seconds. This marks the third victory for an Italian rider in the 2026 edition. Afonso Eulalio of Bahrain–Victorious safely retained the pink jersey, with the overall standings remaining unchanged.
Stage Profile
Stage: Stage 13 (Alessandria → Verbania)
Distance: 189 km
Terrain: Undulating stage with a key climb in the final 25 km
Weather: Sunny, light breeze
Race Recap
The stage started in Alessandria, with the opening half covering flat terrain in the Po Valley. Multiple teams attempted breakaways, and after several attacks, a 15-rider breakaway formed, featuring Bettiol, Jasper Stuyven, Andreas Leknessund and other strong riders. The peloton was controlled by Team Jumbo–Visma and other squads; with no overall threats in the break, the main group did not mount a serious chase, finishing 13 minutes and 6 seconds behind the leaders. As the final 25 km brought steeper gradients, the breakaway began to fragment. On the Ongiascia timed climb, Bettiol made a powerful move, quickly distancing Leknessund to go solo. Boasting exceptional climbing ability and endurance, he maintained his advantage all the way to the finish in Verbania, crossing the line with his arms raised to celebrate a dominant home victory.
Stage Top 3
1.Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team) – 4h 18’ 22”
2.Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) – +26”
3.Jasper Stuyven (Soudal–Quick-Step) – +44”
General Classification (Top 5)
1.Afonso Eulalio (Bahrain–Victorious) – 39h 40’ 34”
2.Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo–Visma) – +27”
3.Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) – +1’ 57”
4.Felix Gall (Austria National Team) – +2’ 24”
5.Ben O’Connor (Australia National Team) – +2’ 48”
Post-Race Comments
“This is a perfect victory. We planned the breakaway strategy before the stage, and I felt incredible on the final climb, so I attacked decisively and held on to the end. Winning in front of the home fans means everything to me,” said an emotional Bettiol after the race. The XDS Astana Team manager praised Bettiol’s performance: “Alberto showed the race awareness and execution of a world-class rider. This victory rewards his relentless work and gives the team a huge boost of confidence.”
Looking Ahead
The Giro d’Italia has reached its halfway point, with tougher mountain stages on the horizon and the pink jersey battle set to intensify. Can Eulalio defend his lead? Will Vingegaard strike back in the high mountains? The upcoming stages promise thrilling racing.
