The hundredth edition of the Itzulia Basque Country , a short six-stage race in the Basque Country, takes place between Flanders and Roubaix.

The Irun individual time trial will open the proceedings: 10 km with a short, slightly uphill central section.

The second stage will, in all likelihood, be the only opportunity for the resistant sprinters, while the three subsequent stages are similar in terms of altitude: many short climbs with final brows between 10 and 15 km from the finish line.

The final stage in Eibar will be decisive for the general classification, which includes 7 gpm and a 4 km climb at 9% about twenty kilometers from the end.

The Spanish race will feature a true parade of stars as far as stage racers are concerned.

Vingegaard will be the number one favourite , despite the absence of long climbs and the opening time trial, in which, on paper, he will be a step below other riders.

Challenging the Dane will be above all Evenepoel , Ayuso and Roglic , who will be able to gnaw on something in the time trial, and then try to hold on to the Basque climbs.

Other very strong men in the rankings who will try to aim for the top ten will be: Landa , second striker at Soudal Quick Step, McNulty , fresh winner of the Indurain GP, ​​Izagirre , a true specialist in this race, Skjelmose, Bilbao and Hindley.

Again for the general classification, we also highlight Del Toro, Vaquelin, Onley, Pidcock and Gall.

As mentioned, there will be no group sprints, nor any sprinters in the race. However, attempts will be possible to try to obtain partial successes. From this point of view we take into consideration: Champoussin, Hayter, Barguil, Battistella, Soler, Gregoire, Bagioli, Aranburu, Sobrero and Schachmann.

Photo: @ehitzulia