The Itzulia Basque Country, the first major stage race of the Ardennes season, begins on April 7 with a field headlined by Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primož Roglič. Fresh off his dominant performance at the Volta a Catalunya, Vingegaard arrives as the race’s clear favorite — but the Basque Country’s relentless terrain and competitive start list mean the overall classification is far from settled before a pedal has been turned.
Why This Race Matters
The Itzulia occupies a unique position on the calendar. Positioned between the Spring Classics and the Ardennes Classics, it serves as both a standalone stage race and a final preparation ground for Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the summer Grand Tours. For GC riders, it is a genuine test of climbing form. For Classics specialists transitioning into stage racing, it offers punchy terrain that rewards explosiveness as much as sustained power.
The race has also become a barometer for Tour de France form. Vingegaard’s Catalunya victory sent a clear signal about his fitness trajectory, and a strong Basque Country performance would cement him as the Tour favorite. For his rivals, this is an opportunity to assess their own condition against the Dane in a competitive environment before the summer stakes increase dramatically.
The Key Contenders
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) enters on the back of consecutive summit finish victories at Catalunya and looks to be building form methodically toward July. The two-time Tour de France champion has shown climbing power that few in the peloton can match when he is at his best. His Catalunya performance — particularly the back-to-back mountain wins — suggests he is already approaching peak condition, though Vingegaard and his team may choose to manage his effort with the bigger goals ahead.
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) brings a different profile. The Belgian is targeting both the Ardennes Classics and the Tour de France, making the Basque Country an important testing ground. Evenepoel’s combination of time trialing ability and climbing power makes him dangerous on any terrain, but his relative inexperience in multi-week Grand Tours compared to Vingegaard creates a fascinating tactical dynamic.
Primož Roglič (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) remains one of the most complete stage racers in the peloton. The former Vuelta a España champion and Olympic time trial gold medalist has historically performed well in shorter stage races, and the Basque Country’s terrain suits his aggressive racing style.
The Route
The 2026 Itzulia features six stages through the Basque Country and surrounding regions, with a mix of summit finishes, rolling terrain, and a potential time trial that could reshape the GC on the final days. The Basque roads are notoriously challenging — narrow, steep, and frequently exposed to weather that can transform a tactical race into a war of attrition.
Key mountain stages will likely feature climbs in the region’s characteristic style: not the longest in professional cycling, but steep enough to shatter groups and reward pure climbing power. For viewers, this produces attacking racing from the first kilometer — the kind of aggressive, unpredictable competition that makes the Itzulia one of the most entertaining stage races on the calendar.
What to Watch For
Beyond the GC battle, the Itzulia will reveal early-season form for riders targeting the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Watch for how Vingegaard manages his efforts — whether he races to win or tactically protects energy for later goals. Evenepoel’s climbing on the steep Basque ascents will indicate whether he can challenge Vingegaard in the mountains at the Tour. And Roglič’s form will signal whether he can add another Grand Tour challenge to his palmares in what may be the final peak years of his career.
The race also serves as a showcase for the next generation. Young riders who have impressed in early-season races will face elite competition on demanding terrain — the kind of crucible that separates future Grand Tour contenders from talented one-week racers.
Following the conclusion of the Tour of Flanders and ahead of next week’s Paris-Roubaix, the Basque Country shifts the focus from cobblestones to climbs and reminds fans that the professional calendar’s richness lies in its diversity of demands.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 Itzulia Basque Country runs April 7-12 with a start list featuring Vingegaard, Evenepoel, and Roglič. Vingegaard arrives as the clear favorite after back-to-back summit wins at the Volta a Catalunya. The race serves as a key form indicator for Tour de France contenders. Six stages through the Basque Country feature steep, aggressive terrain that rewards attacking racing. Evenepoel’s climbing form will be closely watched as a barometer for his Grand Tour ambitions.
