Stage 13: Ronda - Montilla
Distance: 168.4km
Stage timing: 13:15-17:30 CET
Stage type: Flat
The 168.4km from Ronda to Montilla cut a jagged profile, but this isn't a stage where the inclines will become steep enough to really split out the climbers from the fast men.
Starting in Ronda, the stage rolls straight into a 10km false flat before a long and fast descent toward Campillos. That gives way to gentle undulations all the way to Montilla. The early climb and descent will certainly lend themselves to a breakaway, but with teams hungry for a mass sprint we'll expect to see the peloton drawn together before the uphill finish in Montilla.
The finish sits atop a slow drag that takes in 130m of elevation over 6km, finishing at 370m of elevation. A HC climb this is not but with a long false flat we can expect some bold long-range attacks. However, big teams like Alpecin–Deceuninck will be targeting a sprint win here and so we'll be keeping our eyes on Tim Merlier plus stage 11 winner Kaden Groves (BikeExchange-Jayco) and second-placed Danny van Poppel (Bora-Hansgrohe).
-
XDS Astana snap up Cristián Rodríguez from dying Arkéa-B&B Hotels team
Spaniard inks one-year deal as team extends with Gate, Malucelli -
'It's about creating a team' - Zak Dempster on how he will manage Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Remco Evenepoel in 2026
Former Australian pro left Ineos Grenadiers for senior role at German super team -
'I don't have anything' – Arkéa-B&B Hotels run out of road as bid to continue into 2026 collapses
The UCI registration deadline has passed and the 21-year-old French WorldTour squad remains without a sponsor for next season -
Best cycling gilets 2025: Vests to keep you warm and protect you from the wind
A cycling gilet or vest can add warmth on changeable days and keep you warm if you want less bulk on the bike
