Stage 13 of the 2026 Tour de France takes the riders 205.8 kilometres from Dole to Belfort. While the opening three-quarters of the stage are relatively straightforward, the finale is anything but, with a Category 3 climb followed by the iconic Ballon d’Alsace. It looks an ideal day for the breakaway specialists and puncheurs.
Stage 12 Review
Stage 12 turned into the bunch sprint we expected, but it proved far more exciting than anticipated.
A small breakaway established itself and was kept under control by the sprinters’ teams throughout the day. However, the final 30 kilometres came alive as riders repeatedly attacked off the front of the peloton in an attempt to deny the sprint teams another chance at victory.
Ultimately, it all came back together, although the finish was marred by the first major sprint crash of the Tour. Fortunately, most of the leading sprinters avoided the incident.
It was Tim Merlier who once again timed his effort to perfection, storming to victory ahead of Olav Kooij, while my selection Jasper Philipsen finished third. Unfortunately, Philipsen still doesn’t quite look to have his very best legs in this year’s Tour.
Classification Update
There were no changes to the general classification.
Tadej Pogačar continues to lead comfortably and remains the overwhelming favourite to win the Tour.
Tour Winner Betting
- Tadej Pogačar – 1.05
- Jonas Vingegaard – 13.00
- Paul Seixas – 41.00
The Green Jersey battle tightened again after another sprint finish.
Current standings:
- Mads Pedersen – 357 points
- Biniam Girmay – 317 points
- Jasper Philipsen – 311 points
- Tim Merlier – 307 points
Green Jersey Betting
- Mads Pedersen – 1.20
- Jasper Philipsen – 6.50
- Biniam Girmay – 9.00
There was no change in either the King of the Mountains or Team Classification competitions.
Mountains Classification Betting
- Tadej Pogačar – 1.50
- Richard Carapaz – 3.25
- Valentin Paret-Peintre – 15.00
- Lenny Martinez – 15.00
- Tom Pidcock – 23.00
- Jonas Vingegaard – 29.00
Team Classification Betting
- Lidl-Trek – 1.61
- UAE Team Emirates XRG – 2.40
- Team Visma | Lease a Bike – 21.00
Stage 13 Profile
At 205.8 kilometres, this is one of the longest stages of the race, but the decisive action is reserved for the closing 50 kilometres.
The opening half of the stage is largely flat with only gentle rolling terrain, making it an ideal launch pad for what should be a fierce battle to establish the day’s breakaway.
The intermediate sprint comes after 137.8 kilometres, before the riders tackle the final two classified climbs.
First comes the Col des Croix, a Category 3 ascent measuring 5.1 kilometres at 4.8%. While not especially difficult, it should soften the legs ahead of the decisive climb.
The finale is the legendary Ballon d’Alsace, a Category 1 climb of 8.9 kilometres at an average gradient of 6.9%. Although not as brutal as many Alpine or Pyrenean climbs, it is long enough to create significant gaps and should eliminate all but the strongest climbers.
From the summit there is a long, fast descent into Belfort, offering opportunities for brave descenders to hold off any chasers.
What to Expect?
This stage has breakaway written all over it.
With the major general classification contenders unlikely to gain much from chasing, I expect a fierce battle to make the day’s escape, and it would not surprise me if attacks continued for the first hour or more before the winning move finally formed.
Whoever gets into that break will need to climb exceptionally well. The Ballon d’Alsace is simply too difficult for the pure classics riders, and I think the strongest climbers from the escape will fight out the stage victory.
Richard Carapaz heads the betting deservedly after showing strong form on stage 10. Mathieu van der Poel is second favourite, although I do wonder whether the final climb may prove just a little too demanding for him?
Stage 13 Betting
Stage Winner Odds
- Richard Carapaz – 9.00
- Mathieu van der Poel – 10.00
- Tom Pidcock – 13.00
- Tadej Pogačar – 13.00
- Brandon McNulty – 17.00
- Mads Pedersen – 17.00
- Mathias Vacek – 19.00
- Maxim Van Gils – 23.00
- Ben Healy – 23.00
Tour de France 2026 – Stage Winner Money Back Promotion
Back any rider to win any stage of the 2026 Tour de France, and if your selection finishes 2nd in that stage, World Sports Betting will refund your stake in World Coins, up to R5,000!
Promotion Details
- Promotion period: 4 July – 26 July 2026
- Valid on pre-match single (straight) win bets only
- Bets must be placed before the start of each stage
- Refunds are paid in World Coins
- Maximum refund: R5,000 per account
- Only real money bets qualify (free bets excluded)
- Only one qualifying refund per bet
- Cash-out bets do not qualify
- World Coins are subject to the standard World Sports Betting Free Bet Terms & Conditions
- Accounts must be verified and in good standing
How to Claim
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Verdict
Richard Carapaz deserves his place at the head of the market, but at the prices I prefer to side with Tom Pidcock.
Pidcock has shown encouraging form throughout this Tour without quite getting the results his riding has deserved. This finish looks perfectly suited to his strengths, with a testing final climb followed by a technical descent where he is among the very best in the world.
If he can make the decisive breakaway, he has all the tools required to finish the job.
Suggested Bet: Tom Pidcock to win Stage 13 at 13.00.
Disclaimer: Prices were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
