The Basque Country Prepares for a Duel of Titans: Roglic, Ayuso and Del Toro, Protagonists of Itzulia 2026

The 65th edition of the Tour of the Basque Country promises strong emotions with a luxury line-up and a demanding route.

Cycling fans have an unavoidable event marked in red on the calendar: the Itzulia Basque Country 2026. The Basque round, one of the most prestigious events on the UCI WorldTour calendar, is presented this year with a cast of stars that guarantees spectacle and excitement in equal parts. The confirmation of the participants has unleashed euphoria, and rightly so, since names from world cycling will fight to lift the trophy in an edition that promises to be historic.

Among the big favorites, the presence of the Slovenian stands out Primoz Roglic. The runner, winner in 2018 and 2021, returns to Itzulia with the firm intention of repeating this feat. His track record in this race speaks for itself, and his ability to tackle the tough ramps and time trials make him a formidable rival for anyone. The Basque mountains seem tailor-made for him, and his experience will be a key factor in the decisive stages.

But Roglic will not be alone in the battle for victory. Spanish cycling has in Juan Ayuso to one of its greatest exponents. The young prodigy from Xàbia, winner of the 2024 edition, will seek to repeat his success and demonstrate that his triumph two years ago was not a coincidence. Ayuso has shown a maturity inappropriate for his age, combining power, tactical intelligence and a great sense of victory. His duel with Roglic and the rest of the candidates is emerging as one of the great attractions of the season.

The list of candidates is completed with the emergence of the Mexican Isaac del Toro. The UAE Team Emirates rider arrives in Itzulia after a spectacular season, crowned with victory in the Tirreno-Adriatico and a total of 15 wins in the previous campaign. Backed by a top-level team, Del Toro has established himself as one of the great promises of current cycling. His youth, combined with his ambition and quality, position him as a serious candidate to surprise and fight for the general classification.

The official presentation of the participants took place in an emotional event held in the town of Bergara. There, it was confirmed that a total of 22 formationsthe most prominent on the world stage, will take the start. This figure underlines the importance of Itzulia in the international calendar and the quality of the spectacle that is expected.

Beyond the names already mentioned, the list of top-level runners is extensive. The young French promise Paul Seixaswho has already left his mark with a podium in the last European championship and a second place in this year's Strade Bianche, is presented as an alternative to take into account. His audacity and technical quality make him an unpredictable cyclist capable of great feats.

Spanish cycling will also have the presence of other riders of great talent and experience. Names like Mikel Landa, Pello Bilbao and Alex Aranburu They will seek to shine at home. Special attention deserves Jon Izagirrewho will face his farewell year of professional cycling in this edition. The Cofidis rider, always combative and with an enviable track record, will want to leave one last great performance on the roads where he grew up.

The route of the 65th edition of the Tour of the Basque Country It appears as challenging as it is attractive. With an overall distance of 810 kilometersthe race will take place between April 6 and 11. The cyclists will have to face an eminently mountainous route, with a total of 29 mountain passes that will test the endurance and strength of the runners. The toughness of the terrain ensures that the overall classification will be decided in key stages.

The geographical distribution of the stages adds additional attraction. Three of the six days They will compete on the roads of Bizkaiawhile Gipuzkoa will host two stages and Navarre one more. The test will begin in Bilbao with an individual time trial, a format that always generates important differences from the beginning. The final arrival will be in Bergara, after a mountainous day that promises strong emotions.

The queen stage, without a doubt, will be the penultimate. A demanding route that will start from Eibar (Gipuzkoa) and that is emerging as the definitive judge of the race. The cyclists will have to prove their worth on the toughest climbs to make a difference and reach the final day with options.

Itzulia 2026 is not just a cycling race, it is a celebration of sport, passion and the Basque land. An event that attracts the best in the world and offers an unforgettable show for fans. The combination of a selective route, a luxury poster and the passion of the public promises an edition to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Itzulia Basque Country 2026

When is Itzulia Basque Country 2026 celebrated?: The race will be held between April 6 and 11, 2026.
Who are the main favorites to win Itzulia 2026?: The main favorites are Primoz Roglic, Juan Ayuso and Isaac del Toroamong other big names in cycling.
How many stages does Itzulia 2026 have?: The race consists of six stages.
What is the total distance of the route?: The global distance of Itzulia 2026 is 810 kilometers.
How many mountain passes will there be on the route?: The tour will include a total of 29 mountain passes.
In which provinces will the race take place?: The race will take place on roads of Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa and Navarre.
Where does Itzulia 2026 start?: The race will start in Bilbao with an individual time trial.
Where does Itzulia 2026 end?: The last stage will end in Bergara (Gipuzkoa).
Which Spanish cyclists stand out in participation?: Among Spanish cyclists, the Juan Ayuso, Mikel Landa, Pello Bilbao, Alex Aranburu and Jon Izagirre.
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