Itzulia Basque Country 2026 starts: The battle for the yellow jersey in the Basque Country

With big names like Roglic, Ayuso and Landa, the 65th edition of the Tour of the Basque Country promises strong emotions. From Bilbao to Bergara, cyclists will face a route full of mountainous challenges.

This Monday, April 6, the long-awaited Itzulia Basque Country 2026one of the most prominent cycling competitions on the calendar. The race, which will run until Sunday, April 11, brings together the best cyclists of the international peloton in a battle for victory on terrain known for its toughness: the Basque roads. This edition, number 65, promises to be one of the most exciting, with a route of 809.6 kilometers and 16,154 meters of accumulated elevation gain.

In this event, some of the biggest names in world cycling will compete for the title. Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard and Juan Ayuso They are just some of the big favorites to win the yellow jersey. However, the test will also have other surprises, with runners like Isaac del Torowho is emerging as a contender to follow closely. Despite the presence of these great cyclists, there are notable absences: Vingegaard, Evenepoel and Pogacar They will not participate, since they have opted for other events, such as the Tour of Flanders.

The Itzulia 2026 route is a challenge of endurance and strategy. With 29 scoring climbs, four of them first class, cyclists will have to face terrain that ranges from medium mountain to tough climbs. This year's edition follows the tradition of previous editions, with five mountainous stages that will increase in severity as the competition progresses.

The Itzulia 2026 route: Key stages and profiles

The race will begin on Monday with an individual time trial in Bilbao, a type that usually sets the tone in the early stages of a grand tour. From there, the cyclists will enter the mountains of the Basque Country with five days that will test both the resistance and the strategy of the runners.

1. Bilbao – Bilbao (13.9 km): The first stage will be an individual time trial that will serve to refine the positions for the following stages. The departure will be neutralized at 2:30 p.m.

2. Pamplona – Mendukilo Kobazuola (164.1 km): A medium mountain stage that will start at 1:03 p.m. This type of route, with long but not extremely steep climbs, will test the pace and endurance of the cyclists.

3. Basauri – Basauri (152.8 km): Another mid-mountain day, with the start neutralized at 1:28 p.m. The cyclists will face scoring climbs that could make an impact on the less experienced.

4. Galdakao – Galdakao (167.2 km): A 167 kilometer stage that will also be medium mountain. The profile seems suitable for long-distance runners, but the ascents in the area could change the dynamics of the race. Departure will be at 1:13 p.m.

5. Eibar – Eibar (176.2 km): On this day, the cyclists will face one of the most demanding stages of the race, with a more mountainous route. Departure will be at 12:57.

6. Goizper-Antzuola – Bergara (135.2 km): The last stage of the Itzulia will be a medium mountain, with a neutralized start at 1:52 p.m. The cyclists will face a route similar to previous stages, but with the pressure of reaching the end.

How to follow the Itzulia Basque Country 2026?

Cycling fans will be able to enjoy this exciting competition through various means. Eurosport 1 will broadcast the race live, while the platform DAZN will offer complete coverage of all stages. Furthermore, the regional channel ETB1 It will also broadcast the competition in the Basque Country. For users of streaming platforms, HBO MAX will offer the possibility of following Itzulia by subscription.

If you are a cycling lover, you cannot miss any of the stages of this edition of the Itzulia. From the toughest climbs to the fight for the yellow jersey, each day will be a demonstration of the endurance, skill and strategy of the most outstanding cyclists.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about Itzulia Basque Country 2026

When does Itzulia Basque Country 2026 start?
The race starts on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Where can you see Itzulia 2026?
It can be followed through Eurosport 1, DAZN, ETB1 and HBO MAX.
How many stages does Itzulia Basque Country 2026 have?
The race will have six stages, ranging from a time trial to medium and high mountain stages.
Which cyclists will stand out in this edition?
Some of the main favorites are Primoz Roglic, Juan Ayuso and Mikel Landa, although the appearance of new talents such as Isaac del Toro is also expected.
Which mountain passes are most demanding in Itzulia 2026?
Top-notch ports, especially in the later stages, will be key in determining the winners.
Will Vingegaard, Evenepoel or Pogacar be in the race?
No, the three cyclists have decided not to participate in this edition, opting for other competitions.
How long does Itzulia Basque Country 2026 last?
The race will be held between April 6 and 11, 2026.
How many kilometers is the total route?
The route covers 809.6 kilometers, with a total of 16,154 meters of accumulated elevation gain.
What types of terrain predominate in the race?
Medium mountain routes predominate, with some more demanding high mountain stages.
Where can I follow the latest news from Itzulia?
You can obtain updated information through the Mundo Deportivo website.