Today’s 13th stage of the Vuelta took riders on a grueling 176 km mountain race from Lugo to Puerto de Ancares. Lugo, a historic city known for its well-preserved Roman walls, provided a scenic start to the day’s demanding route. The race concluded at Puerto de Ancares, a high-altitude finish that tested the riders’ climbing abilities. The stage featured four significant passes, starting with a Category 3 and escalating to two Category 2 climbs before culminating in a challenging Category 1 ascent. The increasing difficulty throughout the stage made it a true test of endurance and strength.
Canadian victory
The 13th stage saw Michael Woods of Israel – Premier Tech take the win with a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. He was followed by Maurits Schmid from Jayco-Alula, who finished just 45 seconds behind, and Marc Soler from UAE Team Emirates, who crossed the line 1 minute and 11 seconds after Woods.
Michael Woods, a Canadian cyclist, has shown consistent improvement throughout his career. Since his early days with Optum in 2015, Woods has evolved into a formidable climber. Notably, his climbing points have steadily increased, reflecting his growing strength in mountainous stages. Woods has been a key player for his teams, including Cannondale-Drapac and EF Pro Cycling, and now Israel – Premier Tech. His career highlights include significant performances in mountain stages and one-day races, with his 2023 form demonstrating his continued prowess in challenging terrains.
Movement in the overall rankings
The 13th stage brought significant shifts in the rankings. Most notably, Wout Van Aert claimed the King of the Mountains jersey after a strong performance, collecting 14 points today. This achievement means he now holds both the King of the Mountains and Best Sprinter jerseys. In the overall individual classification, Primož Roglič made substantial gains, closing the gap to leader Ben O’Connor to just 1 minute and 21 seconds. The race for the red jersey is intensifying as the Vuelta progresses.
An unpredictable stage
Tomorrow’s stage promises to be another mountainous challenge, featuring two significant passes that will test the riders’ climbing abilities. With the terrain favoring the strong climbers, it’s a stage where any of the top contenders could emerge victorious. Look out for potential standout performances from riders vying for the Best Young Rider jersey, such as Carlos Rodríguez, Fredrik Lipowitz, and Andreas Skjelmose, who may seize the opportunity to make their mark on the race.