S14 Ep47: Stage 13 | Alessandria - Verbania | Giro d’Italia 2026

Alberto Betiol claimed a stunning stage victory on the 13th stage of the 2026 Giro d'Italia, a 189km route from Alessandria to Verbania, in a breakaway that included cycling podcast favorite Larry Warbass and former Maglia Rosa Andreas Leknesson. The win was particularly poignant as Betiol, whose girlfriend is from Verbania, triumphed on a sun-drenched day in the Borromean Islands region—echoing Hemingway’s own romanticized ties to the area. Despite a strong effort from the breakaway group, including Josh Kench and Michael Valgren, Betiol’s explosive attack on the final climb of Unjasca left the field behind, showcasing his ability to thrive in heat and high-pressure moments. The stage reinforced the Giro’s reputation for 'vero ciclismo'—authentic, dramatic, and deeply rooted in Italian culture—while setting the stage for tomorrow’s brutal 133km mountain stage in the Valle d’Aosta, which could redefine the general classification. The episode also paid tribute to Gianni Savio, the late Androni team manager, through a heartfelt conversation with his protégé Alessandro De Marchi, who recently released a memoir about their relationship.