Paul Seixas wins the opening time trial of the 2026 Tour of the Basque Country (Itzulia Basque Country).

The young Frenchman from Decathlon , on the 13.8 km course, recorded a time of 17'09”, preceding Kevin Vaquelin by 23” and Felix Großschartner by 27”.  

Fourth place went to Primoz Roglic , 28” behind the Frenchman, while his Red Bull Bora teammate, Florian Lipowitz , finished sixth, 33” behind.  

Del Toro and Ayuso (two of the favorites) were disappointing; the Mexican finished thirteenth, 51" behind, while the Spaniard was a full 1'16" behind Seixas.  

The Frenchman thus takes the leader's jersey in the general classification and is already putting all his opponents to the test for the final victory.

ORDER OF ARRIVAL:  

1 Seixas Paul Decathlon CMA CGM Team 5.09pm

2 Vauquelin Kévin INEOS Grenadiers   0:23

3 Grossschartner Felix UAE Team Emirates - XRG 0:27

4 Roglič Primož Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 0:28

5 Van Wilder Ilan Soudal Quick-Step 0:29

6 Lipowitz Florian Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 0:33

7 August Andrew INEOS Grenadiers 0:40

8 McNulty Brandon UAE Team Emirates - XRG 0:43

9 Skjelmose Mattias Lidl - Trek 0:45

10 Leonard Michael EF Education - EasyPost 0:46

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency