The Itzulia Basque Country   (Tour of the Basque Country 2023) promises sparks thanks to a route with little plain and the famous climbs of the area, not particularly long but with demanding slopes.

It runs from Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th April: no time trials are scheduled but the stages are tricky and suitable for those who have the legs to attack. Of note are some changes to the third and fifth stages for safety reasons: the key stage will be the last towards Eibar of 137.8 km but there will be opportunities to make a difference in the previous days.

The man to beat will certainly be   Jonas Vingegaard , who after his third place in Paris-Nice is expected to play a leading role. With a high-profile team like Jumbo Visma taking over the race, the opponents will have to come up with something to put him in trouble.

Among the candidates for the final podium we mention the names of   Enric Mas   of the Movistar,   David Gaudu   of the Groupama Fdj,   Marc Soler   of the UAE Emirates,   Daniel Martinez   (winner in 2022) of the Ineos Grenadiers,   Sergio Higuita   della Bora and the Bahrain duo Victorious formed by   Mikel Landa   And   Pello Bilbao .

For stage successes and a good general classification, we would also like to mention   Rui Costa   of the Intermarché Circus Wanty,   Simon Yates   from Team Jayco AlUla,   Ion Izagirre   of Cofidis e   Mattias Skjelmose   of Trek Segafredo. Finally there is a lot of curiosity to see at what point the condition will be   Richard Carapaz   of Ef Education EasyPost, which appeared lackluster in the first seasonal releases.

The scheduled stages:

Stage 1 (03/04): Vitoria-Gasteiz – Labastida (165.40km)
Stage 2 (04/04): Viana – Leitza (193.80km)
Stage 3 (05/04): Errenteria – Villabona (153.90 km)
Stage 4 (06/04): Santurtzi – Santurtzi (175.70km)
Stage 5 (07/04): Amorebieta – Amorebieta (165.90 km)
Stage 6 (08/04): Eibar – Eibar (137.80km)

Photo Sprint Cycling

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