The route for the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country was unveiled on Wednesday, , promising a challenging week-long stage race that builds on the established formula of recent years. The six-day event, scheduled to run from to , will kick off with a familiar opening – a short individual time trial.
Bilbao will host the 13.9km race against the clock, continuing a trend established in 2024 and 2025. True to the region’s reputation, the climbing begins immediately and persists throughout the race. Organizers have designed a route featuring 29 major climbs and a total of 16,264 meters of elevation gain between Bilbao and Bergara.
The demanding course is designed to favor both puncheurs and climbers, with only the opening time trial offering a respite from significant elevation gain – even that stage includes 240 meters of ascent. The 2026 edition will cover a total of 809.6 kilometers.
Recent winners of the Itzulia Basque Country – Jonas Vingegaard, Juan Ayuso, and João Almeida – demonstrate the caliber of rider capable of conquering this challenging terrain. This year’s field is expected to include contenders such as Isaac Del Toro, Paul Seixas, Primož Roglič, Mikel Landa, and Mattias Skjelmose.
Stage 1: Bilbao – Bilbao, 13.9km
The race begins with a short, but far from simple, time trial in Bilbao. The course immediately introduces climbing with an ascent of Santo Domingo (2.4km at 7.3%), followed by a descent and a final kick to the finish line where gradients reach up to 19%. This opening stage will provide the first indications of the general classification contenders.
Stage 2: Pamplona – Cuevas de Mendukilo, 164.1km
Stage 2, stretching 164.1km from Pamplona to Cuevas de Mendukilo, presents a challenging mid-mountain terrain. Boasting over 3,300 meters of elevation gain, the stage is characterized by a steady, unrelenting pace rather than a dramatic finale. This stage could favor well-organized breakaways, while teams aiming for overall victory may attempt to establish control.
Stage 3: Basauri – Basauri, 152.8km
The third stage, a 152.8km loop around Basauri, features 2,824 meters of elevation and three categorized climbs. The Barrerilla (5km at 6.6%) represents the most significant challenge, but several other hills dot the route. Two short, sharp climbs in the closing kilometers, including one leading to the finish, could prove decisive.
Stage 4: Galdakao – Galdakao, 167.2km
Stage 4, a 167.2km circuit around Galdakao, marks the beginning of the tougher back half of the race. Seven categorized climbs and 3,137 meters of elevation gain define the day. The Elosua and Vivero climbs will test the riders, with the final climb of Legina (3.2km at 8%) positioned just 8.8km from the finish line, setting the stage for a potentially explosive finish.
Stage 5: Eibar – Eibar, 176.2km
Designated as the queen stage, Stage 5 is the longest of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, spanning 176.2km around Eibar. This stage features eight categorized climbs and a total of 3,841 meters of elevation gain, making it the most demanding day of the race. The Azurki, Karabelin, and Izua climbs are expected to be key battlegrounds for the general classification contenders.
Stage 6: Goizper-Antzuola – Bergara, 135.2km
The final stage, covering 135.2 kilometers from Goizper-Antzuola to Bergara, will determine the overall champion. Featuring 2,981 meters of elevation gain, the stage includes the double ascents of Elosua and Azkarate, followed by a long run-in before the final climb of Asentzio (7.3km at 5.1%). A subsequent 9.2km descent into Bergara will crown the winner of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.
The 2026 Itzulia Basque Country promises a grueling test of endurance and climbing prowess, setting the stage for a thrilling battle among some of the world’s top cyclists.
