XDS Astana Team claimed its third stage victory at the 2026 Giro d’Italia. Today, Alberto Bettiol won Stage 13 of the Italian Grand Tour after attacking on the summit of the final climb and then extending his advantage on the descent to finish solo.
“Without a doubt, our team is having an amazing Giro, and I’m happy to be part of this team and this success. We have built a very united and close group. We approach the race and every stage very seriously, we help each other, and at the same time outside the race the atmosphere is very friendly and fun, which helps us achieve success.
For me, this is the first victory in the XDS Astana Team jersey, and I have waited a long time for the opportunity to repay the team, the management, the sponsors and Alexandr Vinokurov for all the trust and belief they placed in me. Today everything came together perfectly. I targeted this stage, I knew the finale well – I have ridden the last 50 kilometers, the final climb and the descent into Verbania many times before, these are my training roads.
I really wanted to win here because I consider Verbania my second home – my girlfriend and her family live here, and today they were at the finish together with my parents and my brother. For me, it was already special that the Giro finished in this city, that I had the chance to race here and that my family could be with me. And the fact that I also won today is simply incredible”, – said Alberto Bettiol.
Bettiol was part of the day’s breakaway of 15 riders. The group stayed together until the final climb, where Norwegian rider Andreas Leknessund attacked. Only Alberto Bettiol responded. The XDS Astana Team rider could not immediately get onto the Norwegian’s wheel, but closer to the summit he bridged across and instantly counterattacked, opening a small gap. Bettiol then increased his advantage on the descent and eventually secured an impressive solo victory.
Following the stage, XDS Astana Team moved into the lead of the team classification.
