Alberto Bettiol celebrated a remarkable solo victory on stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia in Verbania on Friday, marking his first stage win in five years. The Italian cyclist executed a strategic attack at the summit of the final climb, distancing himself from Andreas Leknessund before descending towards Lake Maggiore.

Bettiol's joy was amplified by the presence of his family and girlfriend, Lisa Finetti, who hugged him post-race. He expressed that the support from his loved ones made him feel victorious even before the race began.

“Today, in theory I won already before the start because I had all my family here... it was already, for me, a victory,” Bettiol stated.

Finishing 26 seconds ahead, Leknessund secured second place, while Jasper Stuyven from Soudal-QuickStep clinched third in a four-rider sprint.

The race featured a breakaway of 15 riders, who built a significant lead, with the peloton trailing over 13 minutes behind the winner. Bettiol credited his familiarity with the course, having trained in the area, for his success.

As the Giro d’Italia progresses, stage 14 promises to challenge the general classification with a 133km mountain stage from Aosta to Pila.