In the heart of the cycling spring, in the midst of the Northern Classics, the Itzulia Basque Country is establishing itself as one of the most fascinating and challenging events on the entire WorldTour calendar. It's not simply a stage race: it's a severe, almost merciless test, where every day can upend the standings and every mistake is paid dearly.

The Basque race retains its historical identity: narrow roads, short but very steep climbs, technical descents and a passionate crowd that turns each stage into an event.

The 2026 edition consists of six stages, covering just over 800 kilometers in total. A relatively short distance, but made extremely challenging by an elevation gain of over 16,000 meters and a route that virtually eliminates transitional stages.

We start immediately with a time trial in Bilbao : a short but far from trivial test, designed on an undulating and technical course.

The second stage immediately introduces the heart of the race, starting from Pamplona and climbing San Miguel de Aralar , a symbolic climb of the Basque Country.

The central stages, around Basauri and Galdakao , represent the manifesto of modern Itzulia. There are no great iconic climbs, but a relentless sequence of steep climbs, walls, and changes of pace. It's perfect terrain for ambushes, where teams struggle to control the peloton and the bravest riders can invent moves from afar.

The fifth stage, starting and finishing in Eibar , is the most anticipated. This is where the race's history is written, with climbs like Arrate and Izua, which have decided numerous editions. Finally, the final stage to Bergara is short but tense, perfectly in keeping with Basque tradition. It's not uncommon for the overall standings to be decided here, on a final climb or a descent tackled to the limit.

At the center of the scene is Primož Roglič .
The Slovenian is the rider who best embodies the characteristics required by Itzulia: solid in the time trial, explosive on climbs, and expert in race management. His main rival is Juan Ayuso, who, after his withdrawal in Nice, will need to achieve a strong result alongside his teammate Mattias Skjelmose.

Mikel Landa is one of the most anticipated, also for the emotional factor: racing on the Basque roads always gives him something extra.

Among the most intriguing names is Isaac Del Toro, the classic rider who can turn the race around with a sudden attack, transforming a seemingly controlled stage into a turning point.

And how could we not mention Paul Seixas, who hasn't raced since the Strade Bianche? The young Frenchman will try to make a splash in a short stage race. Other interesting names include Tobias Johannessen, Florian Lipowitz, Kevin Vauquelin, and Christian Scaroni.

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