Three categorized climbs are packed into the first half of stage 13, then 37 km of descent to Loja — the kind of profile that historically favours a break going the distance. With nearly 200 km on the road and the hardest climb done early, letting the group build a real gap costs the peloton little. Leknessund already won solo at Aramón Valdelinares after attacking 7.5 km out, so his presence up front isn't a courtesy. If Buitrago and Leknessund are both allowed to race for the stage, it says more about what the GC teams are willing to concede than about the break's chances.