Stage 13 of the 2026 Tour de France takes the peloton on a demanding 205.8km journey from Dole to Belfort, with a hilly profile that could favour aggressive breakaway specialists and puncheurs rather than the pure sprinters.
The stage features two classified climbs, including the Col des Croix (Category 3) before the decisive ascent of the Ballon d’Alsace (Category 1). The final climb, measuring 8.9km at an average gradient of 6.9%, is expected to split the field and provide another opportunity for the general classification contenders to test one another.
Although the finish comes after a descent rather than at the summit, riders will need to be well-positioned over the final climb to remain in contention for the stage victory.
With the Tour entering a crucial phase, every second could prove valuable as the battle for the yellow jersey intensifies heading into the final week.
