Giro d'Italia: Alberto Bettiol marches to solo victory on stage 13 after vaulting from breakaway on final climb

Alberto Bettiol of XDS-Astana claimed a commanding solo victory on stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia, showcasing his strength on the final climb to Verbania. The 32-year-old Italian broke away from the leading group on the last ascent, catching and then distancing Norwegian champion Andreas Leknessund with 13 kilometres remaining. Bettiol maintained a 20-second lead to the finish line, securing his second career Giro stage win and marking XDS-Astana’s third stage triumph in this edition of the race. The 189-kilometre stage was predominantly flat, with two key climbs near the finish shaping the outcome. A 15-man breakaway formed early, with Bettiol among the riders who eventually consolidated the lead. The decisive move came on the final climb of Ungiasca, where Bettiol’s local knowledge of the terrain and strong form allowed him to pull clear. Leknessund held on for second place, while Jasper Stuyven led a small group to third, finishing 44 seconds behind. Bettiol expressed deep personal satisfaction with the win, dedicating it to both his family and the late Marcello Massini, a former youth director who recently passed away. He highlighted the emotional significance of racing in Verbania, where his girlfriend’s family resides, calling it his “second home.” Bettiol also reflected on his preparation and familiarity with the course, which played a crucial role in his successful attack on the final climb. From a broader race perspective, the peloton finished more than 13 minutes behind the breakaway, with race leader Afonso Eulálio retaining the maglia rosa. The Portuguese rider now faces the challenging mountain stages ahead with a slender 33-second advantage over Jonas Vingegaard. Stage 13’s high average speed, nearly 48.5kph, made it one of the fastest in Giro history, underscoring the intensity of the competition as the race moves into its decisive phase.