Alberto Bettiol produced a brilliant late attack to win stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia in the Italian lakes region, while Afonso Eulálio retained the leader’s pink jersey.
The XDS-Astana rider surged clear on the final climb after breaking away alongside Norwegian cyclist Andreas Leknessund. Backed by passionate home support, Bettiol powered to victory over the 189km stage, finishing 26 seconds ahead of Leknessund despite a tense moment when he nearly crashed after hitting a drain grate at speed.
Jasper Stuyven finished third for Soudal-Quick Step, while Britain’s Mark Donovan crossed the line in fifth place.
Bettiol later described the win as especially emotional because of his strong personal connection to the region, calling it his “second home.”
In the general classification battle, Bahrain-Victorious rider Eulálio remains in pink, holding a 33-second lead over two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard. The Danish star is still considered the favourite to eventually take control of the race as the Giro heads toward the decisive mountain stages.
Elsewhere, Lorena Wiebes claimed victory on stage two of the Vuelta a Burgos Feminas in Spain, with British rider Millie Couzens finishing seventh.
