Tour de France 2026: Profile, Schedule, Favorites for the Challenging 13th Stage

The 2026 Tour de France's thirteenth stage presents a challenging 205.8-kilometer route from Dole to Belfort, marking the longest stage of this year's race. This hilly course is expected to test the riders, especially after a predominantly flat first 140 kilometers. The stage's difficulty escalates with two significant climbs: the Col des Croix, a category 3 ascent (5.1 km at 4.8%), followed by a more demanding first-category climb (8.9 km at 6.9%) leading to the Ballon d’Alsace.

Thierry Gouvenou, a former cyclist and current Tour de France race director, described the stage as complex to classify. He noted its suitability for strong rouleurs in the initial flat section, but highlighted that the climbs, particularly the Ballon d’Alsace, would likely create significant action. Gouvenou anticipates a tough battle for the breakaway, but doubts that the overall race leaders will contest the stage win due to the Ballon d’Alsace being relatively far from the finish line. He also pointed out that the descent into Belfort is not particularly fast, requiring sustained effort to reach the finish.

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It’s a complicated stage to classify because it’s tailored for rouleurs in the first part for over 100 km and then we pass through Thibaut Pinot's area in Melisey, 68 km from the finish. Then, we go for the Ballon d’Alsace before plunging towards Belfort. There will be a big fight to get away, but I don’t think the main leaders will go for a win because the Ballon d’Alsace is a bit too far from the line.

This stage is considered one of the most open of the Tour de France 2026. Among the potential contenders for victory are French rider Kévin Vauquelin, who could provide a feel-good story for the home crowd. British rider Tom Pidcock is also a strong candidate, known for his climbing ability and descending speed. While Pidcock is tenth overall and not a direct threat to leader Tadej Pogacar, his team might allow him to pursue a stage win. Other riders to watch include Richard Carapaz, who may attempt a repeat of a previous breakaway, and Mathieu van der Poel, a versatile and powerful cyclist.

The stage is scheduled to begin with a ceremonial start at 1 p.m., followed by the real start 20 minutes later. The estimated finish time is 5:46 p.m., assuming an average speed of 46 km/h. Spectators can follow the race on France 2 starting at 1 p.m., with full coverage also available on Eurosport 1. The article also introduces a French cycling expression, 'Rester en croustille,' which describes a rider who is exhausted and falling behind the peloton.

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It’s certainly the most open stage of the Tour de France. The Ballon d’Alsace, besides being a big climb, is truly magnificent.