The Giro d’Italia delivered pure magic to the shores of Lake Maggiore as Stage 13 (Alessandria to Verbania) ended with a spectacular, emotional victory for Italy. While the entire cycling world tuned in to see world-class athletics framed by our breathtaking lakeside landscapes, local knowledge and Italian grit stole the show.
The pack rides during Stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia, from Alessandria to Verbania, Italy, Friday May 22, 2026.
(Photo by Marco Alpozzi/Lapresse)
Credit by MirrorMedia.art | LaPresse | Tony Esnault
Bettiol’s Perfect Solo Triumph in his “Second Home”
Everyone in Verbania was eagerly waiting for local hero and home idol Filippo Ganna to light up the road, but instead, it was another phenomenal Italian who raised his arms at the finish line: Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team).
Bettiol rode a flawless race, joining a 15-man breakaway that built a massive 11-minute lead over the peloton. The real selection happened just a few miles from the finish on the steep slopes of the Ungiasca climb (7% average gradient). Bettiol used his deep familiarity with these roads to pace himself perfectly. Just before the summit, he launched a fierce attack, caught Norway’s Andreas Leknessund, and flew down the technical descent toward Verbania completely solo.
“I knew every single corner in the last 50km because I train here,” Bettiol said right after crossing the finish line, where he was embraced by his girlfriend, Lisa, who is originally from Verbania. “Today I had my family and my second family here. Verbania is a second home to me.”
Giro d’Italia 2026, Tappa 13, Alessandria – Verbania
Credit by MirrorMedia.art | LaPresse | Tony Esnault
The Giro Standings: Stage 13 Top Results
1st Place: Alberto Bettiol (ITA) — 3:51:33
2nd Place: Andreas Leknessund (NOR) — +0:26
3rd Place: Jasper Stuyven (BEL) — +0:44
Peloton arrival: +13:06 (Afonso Eulálio retains the Pink Jersey)
From Ganna’s Training Ground to Cycling Paradise
Even though Top Ganna couldn’t contest the breakaway on this specific terrain, his spirit was everywhere. The very roads featured in the final 30 kilometers of Stage 13—passing through the beautiful sprint in Stresa, climbing up Bieno and Ungiasca, and sprinting down the lakeside avenues—are the daily training grounds where Filippo Ganna forged his legendary power.
The massive, pink-clad crowds lining the streets of Verbania proved once again that Lake Maggiore is the beating heart of Italian cycling culture. With its unique microclimate, flat coastal routes, and grueling pre-Alpine climbs, our region didn’t just host a race stage—it showed millions of viewers worldwide why it is the ultimate paradise for sports enthusiasts and luxury living.