Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid triumphed in a thrilling stage 13 of the Tour de France, winning the race with an impressive sprint against breakaway companion Harold Tejada. This stage, covering a challenging 206km from Dole to Belfort, showcased intense competition, particularly among sprinters vying for intermediate points and those racing for the stage win.

An initial group of 37 riders broke away from the peloton, which eventually expanded to 56 as Lidl-Trek’s Mads Pedersen worked to close down on rivals like Jasper Philipsen. However, the group dwindled to eight after the intermediate sprint, hampered by two categorised climbs.

Tom Pidcock, riding for Pinarello-Q36.5, mounted a late attack on the final climb, the category one Ballon d’Alsace, only to be caught before the descent. Schmid, of Jayco-AlUla, surged ahead with 15km remaining, with only Tejada able to keep pace. Despite a late challenge from UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Tim Wellens, Schmid claimed victory, marking the first stage win by a Swiss rider in six years, celebrated with a wheelie across the finish line.

Pidcock’s performance was notable as he secured third place, propelling him into virtual second overall at one point. He ultimately finished fourth for the day, moving up from 11th overall, now just 15 seconds behind Remco Evenepoel and four minutes and 15 seconds off the yellow jersey holder, Tadej Pogacar. Jonas Vingegaard from Visma-Lease a Bike remains second overall.

General manager Doug Ryder praised Pidcock’s fighting spirit and the team’s support, stating, "Tom is such a fighter and he’s really turned this race upside down." This stage continues to highlight the strong performance of the Briton in this year’s Tour.