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The 2026 Itzulia Basque Country promises to be a thrilling contest, with no Tadej Pogačar or Jonas Vingegaard in the lineup. This year's race features an unprecedented absence of flat stages, emphasizing relentless climbs throughout Euskadi.
Five out of six stages finish uphill, beginning with a challenging individual time trial in Bilbao on April 6. The 13-kilometer TT through coastal parks is tougher than last year’s relatively flat course.
Stage 2 includes the demanding Cat.1 San Miquel de Aralar, a grueling 9.4-kilometer ascent averaging 7.4%. The climbers face another brutal challenge on stage 5, combining the Cat. 1 Izua (3 kilometers at 10%) and Cat. 3 Urkaregi (5.3 kilometers at 4%).
With the absence of cycling's top stars, other competitors get a golden opportunity to shine. Isaac del Toro stands out as a key contender, aiming for his third WorldTour stage race victory. The 2026 Itzulia Basque Country sets the stage for emerging talents to showcase their climbing prowess in one of cycling’s toughest tests. Expect fierce battles and stunning performances from the best in the sport.
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