Published on : 09/04/2026
Heat, elevation gain and an uncertain outcome right down to the finish: that was the explosive mix of Stage 13 of the Vuelta.
At the start in Almuñécar, the instructions were clear: try to get riders into the breakaway. With 3,400 metres of elevation gain and three categorized climbs, the course was perfectly suited to the breakaway specialists looking to fight for a strong result. The team wasn’t the only one with that idea, and the battle to make the right move was fierce. All this under scorching conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C on the road today.
43 riders eventually managed to go clear, including Sylvain Moniquet and Sergio Samitier. On the climb of Alto del Legionario (5.8 km at 4.9%), the group split. Ten riders made up the front group, leaving our two Cofidis riders in the chasing group, 1’30 behind. Behind them, the peloton kept the gap at around 4’30.
The Moniquet-Samitier group managed to bridge across to the leaders with 27 kilometres to go, but Visma
Gorka Gerrikagoitia, after stage 13 :
“Today was a stage where we knew the breakaway had a good chance of making it to the finish. So there was a real battle to get into the right group. The pace was absolutely full gas! Eventually, around 40 riders managed to get away, including Sergio (Samitier) and Sylvain (Moniquet). They were among the riders we had tasked with getting up the road today, so the objective was achieved.
The stage was difficult, with temperatures above 40°C, which certainly didn’t make things any easier… There was a huge battle throughout the day and the attacks never stopped. When the groups came back together in the finale, the strongest riders went clear, and we fought for 10th place.
I’m happy with the team’s attitude. They’re doing their very best, especially on stages like today, when we have a small opportunity. The team gave everything to seize that chance, but the others were stronger.
Now it’s time for the mountains tomorrow, with another day of very hot conditions ahead.”