PREVIEW | Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 13 - First day in the Alps sees three massive climbs and expected GC chaos

Preview. The Giro d'Italia reaches the Alps, at long last! Stage 13 has suffered last-minute route changes, but it is still a fierce day that will set significant differences among the riders battling for the overall classification.

The Giro d'Italia will head into Switzerland in the 13th stage for a high-mountain finale at Crans-Montana. This is perhaps the most challenging day of the race. It may be contested with stages 16 and 19, however, this being the first of the three gruesome mountainous days it will be key for the overall classification, and surely expose weaknesses within some of the GC riders.

Estimated start and finish times for Giro d'Italia stage 13: 11:00-17:15CET

The first two thirds of the stage have been cut off due to bad weather, changing the stage's appearance for a second time. The riders now skip the Col de Gran San Bernardino altogether and will take to the start in Le Châble, almost at the base of the Croix de Coueur, for a total distance of only 74 kilometers.

This is an insanely hard climb. Most will know it as the ascent to Verbier where Alberto Contador has in the past put in a much-discussed performance, however here the riders reach the village and keep climbing. Many switchbacks until that point, but then it rises into the Alpine. The final 6 kilometers average almost 10% and it's summit lies at almost 2200 meters of altitude.

The descent is equally technical, just as steep but even longer. The riders lose a whole 1700 meters in altitude, a mental difference. Through the Rhône valley then the run-up to the final ascent is pan-flat. There won't be much fight for positioning as the race should be split to bits at this point, and the climb is long and very constant.

The 13.1 kilometers into Crans-Montana don't see many gradient variations, with a steady 7% present most of the climb. However in total the climb has 15 switchbacks and most of them are in the first half. This could be called an explosive climb but at this point of the stage it's a test for survival. Gaps will easily be made and I would say early in the climb.

The Weather

Low temperatures up the mountains. It won't be an easy day to deal with, possibly some southern wind high up but this time around that won't prevent attacks, the most important factor will be to put on the jackets at the top of both passes otherwise the next few days may be very complicated.

The Favourites

Geraint Thomas - INEOS have set their foot. Today they had the opportunity to put other teams under pressure with De Plus and Arensman but chose not to. An all-in for Geraint Thomas, the Welshman is back to his best form and is motivated. This will be a very important test, he is in the lead of the race and INEOS is likely to control most of the day, but with such a small gap back to Primoz Roglic it won't be easy to deal with the pressure.

Primoz Roglic - The Jumbo rider is in the perfect position, and on this day can make a difference. I reckon the mammoth mountain stages won't favour him much however he is in good form, and with Sepp Kuss who should be able to provide good support in this terrain. It will be a test, he shouldn't risk too much, but in the final climb there is room for attacks and differences.

João Almeida - Almeida will be in his terrain with the very long ascents. The final week is where I expect him to make his moves but every second matters and he will nevertheless attack if there is the opportunity. He will have to be cautious in the descents, and this will also be an important day to see how UAE is comiting to their leader.

In this terrain it'll be a matter of survival for some, and form testing for others. Andreas Leknessund and Aurélien Paret-Peintre are still riding within the best at this point and this will be a key day to understand if they can fight for the Top10. I would put Eddie Dunbar and Thibaut Pinot in a similar position as they are not at this point Grand Tour specialists - although I reckon their biggest obstacle will be the final week.

Hugh Carthy will likely try to take back positions after a rough first week, Lennard Kämna will be hoping to be past his illness and be ready to fight for a Top5, and Bahrain will have a better onlook on which of their riders can remain in the battle for the top places. Damiano Caruso has so far looked very good and will love this terrain, Jack Haig and Santiago Buitrago are wildcards to be seen.

As for the breakaway, it does stand chances in this day but it won't be easy. It's a day of pure high mountain climbing and only a very strong climber can take it. Jay Vine and Brandon McNulty are two clear cards to hint at on such opportunity, Ilan van Wilder and Lorenzo Fortunato spent quite a lot today in the breakaway but tomorrow will have a day that suits their climbing abilities better.

Prediction Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 13:

*** Geraint Thomas, Primoz Roglic, João Almeida
** Damiano Caruso, Hugh Carthy
* Lennard Kämna, Jack Haig, Santiago Buitrago, Jay Vine, Brandon McNulty, Lorenzo Fortunato

Pick: Geraint Thomas