Stage 13 of the Vuelta a España covers nearly 193 kilometres from Almuñécar to Loja across hilly Andalusian terrain before a flat run to the line. The profile rewards riders who can survive the climbs and either attack before the finish or sprint from a reduced group. With 12 stages already in the legs, current form and in-race momentum will be decisive.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Enric Mas stands alone at the top of this preview. His stage 9 victory in this Vuelta, combined with two top-3 and two top-5 finishes in this edition, makes him the rider in the best form on the best terrain for him. Nobody in the field has demonstrated the same level of consistency and race-winning ability in this exact event.
Movistar
Movistar
Enric Mas has been the standout performer in this Vuelta, winning stage 9 and recording two top-3 and two top-5 finishes in this edition. His profile suits hilly terrain perfectly, and his recent top-5 in similar-profile races underlines his consistency in this kind of finish.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Mattias Skjelmose and Matthew Brennan both have strong claims to podium contention. Skjelmose is one of the finest hills riders in the peloton and has been in the mix throughout this race, while Brennan's stage 5 win and recent similar-profile win show he is no flash in the pan. Either could step up if Mas falters.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Matthew Brennan took a stunning stage win in stage 5 of this Vuelta and has backed that up with a further top-10, proving he is in exceptional current form. His win on a similar-profile course recently is exactly the kind of evidence that makes him a genuine threat for another stage result.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Mattias Skjelmose is one of the best hills specialists in the field and has two top-10 finishes in this Vuelta, showing consistent involvement on challenging terrain. A top-10 in similar-profile races recently adds further confidence that he can challenge at the sharp end today.
★★
Dark Horses
Roglic, Carapaz, and Leknessund are proven performers on this type of terrain who bring either recent similar-profile results or an in-race stage win to the table. Leknessund's stage 7 victory in this Vuelta is particularly significant, confirming he is racing with real confidence. Any of the three could take the stage if the race breaks their way.
Uno-X Mobility
Uno-X Mobility
Andreas Leknessund delivered one of the race's highlights by winning stage 7 of this Vuelta, demonstrating he is in superb form and capable of exploiting hilly finishes. His in-race performance is a compelling reason to back him again on a similar profile.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Primož Roglic is among the most complete riders in the peloton and his hills ability is among the best in this field. A top-10 in a similar-profile race recently suggests he remains dangerous even if he has not yet imposed himself on this Vuelta.
EF - EasyPost
EF - EasyPost
Richard Carapaz is a strong hills performer and recorded a top-5 in a similar-profile race recently, showing his ability to threaten on days like this. His overall pedigree at grand tours makes him a reliable pick at this tier.
★
Ones to Watch
Mads Pedersen, Wout van Aert, Felix Gall, and Bryan Coquard round out the selections as genuine one-to-watch options. Coquard's stage 8 win in this Vuelta is a reminder that punchier riders can succeed here, while Pedersen and Van Aert have the versatility to contest a flat finale after a hilly day. Gall is the breakaway wildcard if the race fragments early.
Cofidis
Cofidis
Bryan Coquard won stage 8 of this Vuelta and has a top-3 and top-5 in similar-profile races recently, making him a live outsider if the stage ends with a puncheur-friendly flat run-in. His in-race form is arguably the hottest in the bunch for this type of finish.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Felix Gall is a strong climber who has the hills profile for a stage like this, and his top-10 in a similar race recently shows he can be in the mix. He is a quiet danger on a day that suits breakaway specialists.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Mads Pedersen has shown versatility on hilly terrain with a top-3 and a top-5 in similar-profile races recently, making him a credible threat at a flat-ish finish after hills. His sprint ability gives him an edge if a small group contests the finish.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Wout van Aert is one of the most dangerous all-rounders in the race, and his top-10 in a similar-profile race recently confirms he can get into contention on days like this. A flat finish after climbs plays to his ability to sprint from a select group.
Verdict
Enric Mas is the clear favourite after winning stage 9 and showing the best all-round form in this Vuelta, with Mattias Skjelmose and Matthew Brennan as the most dangerous challengers on a profile that suits both of them.