Giro ’26 St.13: Bettiol Blasts to Breakaway Glory in Verbania

Alberto Bettiol claimed a memorable victory on Stage 13 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, finally converting his persistent aggression into success. The Italian rider from XDS-Astana broke away from a large, well-organised breakaway group on the final climb to Ungiasca and powered on to win in Verbania. Bettiol caught and surpassed Andreas Leknessund in the closing kilometres, securing his second career Giro stage win, while Leknessund was left to settle for second place once again. Jasper Stuyven completed the podium, rounding off a day that largely bypassed the general classification contenders. Stage 13 covered 189 kilometres from Alessandria to Verbania, featuring a predominantly flat route before the decisive climbs in the final 30 kilometres. The early part of the stage saw a series of attacks and regroupings, with a breakaway of fifteen riders eventually establishing a significant lead over the peloton. The flat terrain and crosswinds made positioning crucial, but it was the steep ramps of Ungiasca, with gradients exceeding 10%, that ultimately shaped the outcome. The stage was widely predicted to be won from the breakaway, a forecast vindicated by the tactical battle that unfolded on the final climb. Bettiol’s winning move came after shadowing Leknessund’s repeated accelerations on Ungiasca, before launching a decisive attack inside the last kilometre. His timing and strength proved perfect, allowing him to open a gap that he maintained through the descent and into Verbania. Leknessund, despite his best efforts, was unable to respond and suffered a familiar disappointment with a third second-place finish in the Giro. Stuyven’s consistent presence in breakaways earned him a well-deserved third place, highlighting the competitive nature of the stage. Following his victory, Bettiol expressed deep personal satisfaction, citing his connection to the Verbania area through his girlfriend’s family and his intimate knowledge of the climb as key factors. He also acknowledged the support of his XDS-Astana team and the belief shown in him by team management. This win marked a significant milestone for Bettiol, who had waited nearly two years since his last professional victory and had previously struggled to convert his aggressive racing style into stage success. The implications of Stage 13 suggest a continued opportunity for breakaway specialists and puncheurs to shine in the coming stages, as the general classification riders took a relatively quiet day. Bettiol’s triumph adds momentum to XDS-Astana’s strong season, marking their 15th win of the year and third in this Giro. Meanwhile, Leknessund’s repeated near-misses underline the fine margins at play in Grand Tour racing, setting the stage for further drama as the race progresses.