British rider Tom Pidcock has significantly boosted his Tour de France general classification ambitions, vaulting into fourth place overall after a strong showing on Stage 13. Switzerland's Mauro Schmid secured a thrilling victory on the 206km route from Dole to Belfort, out-sprinting fellow breakaway rider Harold Tejada to the finish line, with Pidcock crossing in third.
The longest stage of this year's Tour saw intense action from the outset, with a large breakaway group forming early. Initially comprising 37 riders, the group swelled to 56 before being whittled down to eight after two categorised climbs. Pidcock, riding for Pinarello-Q36.5, made a late attack on the final ascent, the Category One Ballon d'Alsace, but was reeled in before the descent.
Schmid, from Jayco-AlUla, launched his decisive move from the breakaway with 15km remaining, with only XDS Astana's Tejada able to match his pace. Despite a late chase by a small group including Pidcock and a surge from UAE Team Emirates-XRG's Tim Wellens, the leading duo held on. Schmid celebrated his victory, the first for a Swiss rider in six years, with a wheelie across the line, while Pidcock comfortably won the sprint for third place.
Pidcock's performance saw him briefly hold virtual second place overall as the general classification teams allowed the breakaway a significant advantage, mindful of challenging mountain stages ahead. He ultimately concluded the day in fourth position, a notable improvement from his pre-stage 11th place. He now sits 4 minutes and 15 seconds behind the yellow jersey, held by reigning champion Tadej Pogacar, and is just 15 seconds adrift of Belgium's Remco Evenepoel, who occupies the final podium spot. Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike maintains his second place overall.
This continues a strong Tour for the Briton, who also secured a third-place finish on Stage 9 despite experiencing a late mechanical issue. Doug Ryder, General Manager of Pinarello-Q36.5, praised Pidcock's resilience and the team's commitment, stating that Pidcock is a significant impact rider who has truly 'turned this race upside down' with his fighting spirit and the team's support.