Swiss rider Mauro Schmid won Stage 13 of the Tour de France on Friday, July 17, 2026 [1].
The victory marks a significant moment in the race as the peloton navigates the demanding middle stages of the competition. While stage wins provide prestige and points, the primary focus remains on the general classification lead, which continues to be held by the defending champion.
Schmid secured the win in Belfort after a grueling 205.8 km route that began in Dole [1, 2]. The finish came down to a two-way sprint in the final meters, where Schmid managed to outpace Colombian rider Harold Tejada [1, 3]. Tejada finished as the runner-up in the stage.
Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar safely retained the yellow jersey [1, 3]. The defending champion focused on maintaining his position and avoiding incidents throughout the long stage [1]. By finishing with the main group, Pogacar ensured that his lead in the overall standings remained intact.
Stage 13 [3] was characterized by its length and the tactical battle between the breakaway contenders and the general classification leaders. The transition from Dole to Belfort required endurance and precise timing, culminating in the sprint finish that favored Schmid's explosive power.
Race officials confirmed the results following the finish in Belfort [2]. The competition now moves forward with Pogacar still defending his title against a field of challengers who must find a way to break his consistency in the coming stages.
“Mauro Schmid edged Harold Tejada in a two-way sprint to win Stage 13.”
Schmid's victory demonstrates the ability of opportunistic riders to capitalize on long, transitional stages, but the broader narrative remains Pogacar's dominance. By avoiding risk and maintaining the yellow jersey through a 205.8 km stage, the defending champion reinforces his control over the race's tempo and the overall standings.
