The thirteenth stage featured a long run-in before the two categorized climbs in the closing part of the race. The many flat kilometers after the start in Dole prompted almost every team to send riders up the road. Two groups eventually came together to form a breakaway of 57 (!) riders, which was allowed to build a significant advantage over the peloton. Campenaerts and Tour debutant Hagenes represented Team Visma | Lease a Bike at the front of the race.

The strong duo held on for a long time but was unable to follow when the race exploded on the Ballon d'Alsace. At the summit of the first-category climb, with around thirty kilometers remaining, only eight attackers remained. Behind them, the general classification favorites saved their energy with an eye on this weekend's demanding double-header. Friday’s stage victory went to Mauro Schmid. Because Tom Pidcock also finished with the front group, there were still some changes in the general classification.

Leader Jonas Vingegaard remains second overall. “We came through the day well”, Leading Race Coach Marc Reef says. “Pidcock was in the breakaway, which meant several teams were at risk of losing positions in the general classification. They controlled the race because of that, so the pace on the final climb was fairly controlled. The most important thing for us was that both Bruno and Matteo were feeling much better again today.”

“Tomorrow is an important day”, Reef continues. His riders face four categorized climbs: the Grand Ballon (1), Col du Page (2), Ballon d'Alsace (1), and Col du Haag (1). “It's a very irregular stage, and after the final summit there are still six kilometers to the finish. Sunday's stage features a longer climb with a true summit finish. That will be a decisive day.”