Alberto Bettiol claimed victory in stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia on May 22, 2026, attacking solo on the final climb near Verbania to win by 26 seconds over Andreas Leknessund [1, 2]. The 189-kilometer stage ran from Alessandria to the Italian lakes area around Verbania [1, 2].
Bettiol was part of a breakaway group of 15 riders that built a lead of more than 11 minutes before the final climbs [2]. On the Ungiasca climb, Leknessund launched a solo attack, but Bettiol chased him down and passed on the climb and descent [2]. Jasper Stuyven finished third in a sprint behind the leading pair, 44 seconds behind Bettiol [1].
Bettiol said winning on familiar roads with family watching made the victory special. “I won before because all the family are here, and my girlfriend and her family are from Verbania, so I consider it my second house,” he said. “But winning like this is something I will bring forever with me.” He added that knowing every corner in the last 50 kilometers, where he trains, helped him secure the win. “I knew every single corner in last 50km because sometimes I train here. For me [I was] at the limit for this climb but I knew my shape was good,” Bettiol said [1, 2].
Bettiol previously won the Tour of Flanders in 2019 and a Giro stage in 2021 [1, 2].
In overall standings, Portugal’s Afonso Eulalio retained the pink jersey, holding a 33-second lead over Jonas Vingegaard [1, 2].
Stage 14, scheduled for May 23, features a 133-kilometer mountain route from Aosta to Pila and is expected to challenge the general classification [2]. The Giro d'Italia is set to finish in Rome on May 31 [1].
