The Itzulia Basque Country race is a cycling enthusiast's dream, offering a thrilling preview of what's to come in the Tour de France. This year's edition, set to take place from April 6th to 11th, promises to be a battle royale between some of the sport's most renowned names. But before we delve into the predictions, let's take a journey through the rich history and challenging stages of this iconic race.
A Cycling Pilgrimage
The Basque Country, a region steeped in cycling tradition, will once again play host to this prestigious event. The race's origins date back to 1924 when Francis Pélissier claimed the inaugural victory. After a hiatus, it returned with a bang in 1969, with the legendary Jacques Anquetil taking the win. Over the years, cycling greats like Luis Ocaña, Sean Kelly, and Laurent Jalabert have conquered the Basque roads, solidifying the race's status as a true test of cycling prowess.
A Rollercoaster Ride
The six-day stage race is characterized by its grueling climbs, narrow roads, and unpredictable weather, all amidst the passionate cheers of devoted fans. The 2026 edition will showcase a star-studded peloton, with each stage presenting unique challenges.
Stage 1: Bilbao Time Trial
Kicking off in Bilbao, the opening stage is a 13.8-kilometer time trial that's not for the faint-hearted. Riders will face a steep 2.4-kilometer climb at 7% right from the start, followed by a technical descent. The explosive finish, with a 500-meter ramp at 9%, sets the tone for the entire race.
Stage 2: Pamplona to Mendukilo Kobazuloa
Day two is a hilly affair, with the peloton tackling ascents from start to finish. The highlight is the ascent to San Miguel de Aralar, a 9.4-kilometer climb at 7.9%, followed by a downhill stretch to the finish, making it a strategic battleground.
Stage 3: Bassauri's Sprint Potential
Stage three might be the sprinters' best chance, but even then, it's a sprint for the climbers and classics specialists. The main climb ends with 32 kilometers to go, and the final kilometers feature steep gradients, making it a unique challenge.
Stage 4: Galdakao's Rollercoaster
The fourth stage is a rollercoaster ride with seven categorized climbs and a hilltop finish. The Alto de El Vivero, a 4.3-kilometer climb at 8.3%, is where the real action begins, offering a chance for riders to make their mark.
Stage 5: Eibar's Queen Stage
The queen stage, starting and ending in Eibar, is a brutal test with over 4000 meters of climbing. With eight categorized climbs, including the steep ascent to Krabelin, it's a day that can make or break the overall classification.
Stage 6: Goiper-Antzuola to Bergara
The final stage is no less challenging, with longer climbs and a potential GC showdown. The opening climb of 4.6 kilometers at 7.6% can set the tone for the day, and the two-climb combos later on can be decisive.
The Contenders
With a formidable startlist, predicting a winner is no easy task. UAE's Isaac del Toro, a consistent rider who excels in all terrains, is a strong contender. However, the race's unpredictability makes it a strategic puzzle. Decathlon's French prodigy, Paul Seixas, fresh from a stellar Strade Bianche, is a wild card. BORA's Primoz Roglic, a master of short, sharp climbs, and Florian Lipowitz, coming off a strong performance, offer a dual threat. Lidl-Trek's Juan Ayuso, despite a recent crash, has the ability to handle the explosive terrain, and his partnership with Mattias Skjelmose could be a strategic advantage.
Other teams bring their A-game, too. INEOS's Kévin Vauquelin, Uno-X's Tobias Johannessen, and Bahrain - Victorious's Antonio Tiberi and Pello Bilbao are all in the mix. Quick-Step fields a strong GC trio, while Astana, Movistar, and Visma also have their eyes on the prize.
My Prediction
In my opinion, the race is anyone's game. Isaac del Toro is a safe bet, but the Basque Country's unpredictable nature could favor a dark horse. Paul Seixas, with his rapid growth, could be that surprise package. The race's history of upsets and the challenging stages make it a true test of adaptability and strategy. Personally, I'm leaning towards a surprise winner, but only time will tell who will conquer the Basque roads in 2026.
