{"id":1868903,"date":"2026-04-06T12:06:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T09:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868903"},"modified":"2026-04-06T12:06:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T09:06:02","slug":"as-it-happened-young-talent-claims-first-worldtour-win-at-stage-1-of-itzulia-basque-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868903","title":{"rendered":"As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nItzulia Basque Country\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long \">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/h1>\n<h2>A 13.9km time trial to open proceedings<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:16:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-world-tour-stage-race-begins-with-time-trial\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2025 Itzulia Basque Country: the final podium (L-Enric Mas, C-Jo\u00e3o Almeida, R-Max Schachmann)<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Race Results<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>OFFICIAL START<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; ION IZAGIRRE<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PRIMOZ ROGLIC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PAUL SEIXAS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>PAUL SEIXAS WINS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<p id=\"elk-ea84c86d-9b21-4bab-b494-c4ed2cca2edc\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-54859928-af13-4e27-be53-070dc50c7cb1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage 1 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Itzulia Basque Country)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-results\"><span>Race Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ffba19d0-449c-4e39-b09c-31c998a8e768-0\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:07:00+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:07:00.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage one of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:11:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:11:35.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79b1ff0d-5fb2-43ea-858a-dc9eb058a696\">After the thrills and spills of the Tour of Flanders yesterday, it\u2019s time for something very different before the classics resume with Paris-Roubaix. The World Tour continues, but away from the cobbled bergs of Flanders, and instead inside another of cycling\u2019s heartlands &#8211; the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:14:59.298Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0c8f5b6-cc70-4e25-8984-bd578abccda3\">This race is all about climbers and puncheurs, held in terrain with barely a flat stretch of road and steep hills lying around seemingly every corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:16:58+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:16:58.879Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e3808c0-d362-41b1-b72d-ae4bdf415157\">Not today, however &#8211; the race will begin with an Individual Time Trial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While there is a small rise for the first few kilometres of the course, the rest is either downhill or flat before a minor uphill to the finish, meaning this is a chance for the more powerful GC contenders to gain an early advantage in the race for overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:20:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:20:43.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab3ecd58-94c1-4c60-b2ac-648b619c80da\">The first rider, Georg Zimmermann, will set off in about ten minutes, at 14:20 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:23:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:23:06.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-038bdb1f-737f-48ff-8e69-9ea973f30ff9\">Here&#8217;s the full of start times, with home favourite Mikel Landa last off at 17:23 local time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:28:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:28:08.416Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8997d9-42e0-4c0a-a76c-0a477799a0c9\">As for the biggest names &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is off nice and early, at 14:46, the much-hyped Paul Seixas at 15:29, and top GC contenders Juan Ayuso will be 17:15, and Isaac del Toro 17:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:31:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:31:39.420Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18d09f43-9c4e-4ea7-9306-796476955e76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off! Georg Zimmermann rolls off the start ramp to get this time trial opening of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:34:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:34:59.919Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced9239-e5e9-4c2b-8ab9-eb72d414251e\">The riders are setting off at one minute intervals, until the final 21 riders, between him will be two minutes each.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:37:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:37:09.623Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6bc0746-825a-4396-9dab-21b54d3d4f13\">We won\u2019t have to wait long until a first big name. Ion Izagirre will be the eighth rider to start, a former winner of this race from 2019, and in fine form having only just won the GP Miguel Indurain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:40:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:40:12.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2eeaccbc-e243-4fa6-addf-69e62ace2dd5\">Izagirre is off now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:42:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:42:50.125Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1e8c190-3ac8-45a0-8a42-a53266360d1e\">There are two intermediate points on the route today &#8211; the first at the top of the climb, the Alto Santo Domingo, that comes just a few kilometres into the route, and the second just a few kilometres later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:45:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:45:07.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40babf1a-9bbb-4245-bba6-15b45fd9475c\">Young Markel Beloki is the early pace-setter at the second check, posting a time of 7:53, 6 seconds quicker than Filippo Fiorelli, and 7 seconds quicker than Iker Mintegi, who&#8217;s time was quickest at the first check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:46:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:46:34.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4f32b17-ef80-4bdf-bbd4-50cda9fad918\">It\u2019s a hot day in Bilbao today, with temperatures nearly 30 degrees. There\u2019s no sign the results will be shaped by varying weather conditions, with no threat of rain falling at any point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:47:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:47:39.906Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f4e9a16-f2e4-4462-9f6a-7bfda62556c1\">Here goes Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d! The two-time former winner of this race will want a big time today to prove his credentials as a GC contender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:48:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:48:59.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2e9ffe0-a5ff-4974-ab0f-8d5c28c2a9bc\">Ion Izagirre is through the first two checks, and isn\u2019t going as fast as expected. He\u2019s only fourth fastest at the second, 10 seconds down on Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:53:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:53:45.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfdcc826-4708-412c-add7-7e751d76277a\">Rogli\u010d was one of the men we picked out as the top contenders for overall victory this week. Have a full read of our analysis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:54:48.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4384a966-0c88-475f-a25c-bb65e0829bd9\">As expected, Rogli\u010d is posts a new best time at the first check, a whole 7 seconds faster than Mintegi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:55:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:55:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a72681-32ed-4d89-af2b-9ef23cd67410\">And Rogli\u010d has increased his advantage at the second time check, 12 seconds faster than the former leader Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:58:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:58:15.179Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-ion-izagirre\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; ION IZAGIRRE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0ce6d98d-bd50-4760-8825-cea00d46d9a4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first few riders have finished &#8211; and Ion Izagirre is quickest among them! He sped up in the final part of the course significantly, to complete it in a time of 18:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:00:01.923Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce48723f-eab9-4837-86b3-69f6061df0d0\">The big names are starting to come thick and fast already. The in-form Tobias Halland Johannessen has started his ride, as has Irish star Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:01:14.484Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4e9e6c-5c05-41ae-8e78-ee10d6729560\">Johannessen is looking very good &#8211; he&#8217;s just bettered Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the first check by one second! Can he keep up this pace?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:02:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:02:27.242Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280fd115-38c5-4221-b8ff-eab39b8c82f7\">Johannessen has slowed a little, and is one second down on Rogli\u010d at the second check. There&#8217;s still plenty of road to be run from there until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:04:38+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:04:38.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd64ac16-4bc9-4549-8257-30b7e99e1151\">Ben Tulett is looking good too, just three seconds off Rogli\u010d at the second check. He\u2019s likely to be be Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s GC leader this week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:05:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:05:55.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280da892-debd-46d4-b6c5-af662e753e55\">Pello Bilbao, who shares a name with the location today, is off on the road. He\u2019s another home favourite but does he still have the legs to compete for overall victory here? Today\u2019s time trial will tell us a lot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:07:02+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:07:02.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-primoz-roglic\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PRIMOZ ROGLIC<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce7d35cf-d1fc-4535-b3ce-7f0112c947d1\">Rogli\u010d has smashed Izagirre&#8217;s time! He&#8217;s a whole 33 seconds quicker at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:08:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:08:31.846Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdb76f4-456b-4dff-9541-80cc963e2de2\">Prior to Rogli\u010d, Beloki was the only rider to come within 20 seconds of Izagirre\u2019s time. The Slovenian is on a whole other level so far &#8211; but how will Johannessen fare?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:11:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:11:27.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6454f91e-28b2-489d-9ef6-bb1b0dd8a811\">Johannessen is climbing the final rise to the finish, will he beat Rogli\u010d?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:12:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:12:08.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c61cc31d-fb00-400a-ba5c-851a3d374374\">No, as he&#8217;s not even close! He lost a lot of time in the second half of the route and finishes 29 seconds down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:13:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:13:26.268Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-47febfdb-a835-41ee-908c-d67a5151fedf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:14:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:14:12.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed834bb0-2603-4e14-b2bd-c27204d57dde\">Tulett also can&#8217;t challenge Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time &#8211; he&#8217;s quicker than Johanessen, but a distant 24 seconds off the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:16:19.730Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-511326a3-961d-4d67-8b84-635c04d19603\">Matthew Riccitello is on a flyer &#8211; he&#8217;s set the new best time at the second check, quicker even than Rogli\u010d, albeit it by one one second.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:17:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:17:57.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d468917-174c-4fd8-893b-4b38e775f80c\">Ben Healy came home 6th fastest, 45 seconds slower than Rogli\u010d. That&#8217;s a hefty chunk already, if he has GC ambitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:18:24+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:18:24.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f06f576f-6dc8-47d1-9f61-149d3d135665\">The current leader at the clubhouse, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-261ef1ac-f2cd-4cfd-b9ec-acead949987b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:20:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:20:27.248Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6482f214-59cc-41de-a85f-e914c5d73ff0\">Bilbao is climbing to the finish, and looking like he&#8217;s finishing strongly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:21:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:21:15.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b461e3f-6414-4e4c-abe9-38c3f8c585f6\">He has indeed, finishing third fastest, 25 seconds slower than the best time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:24:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:24:32.773Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b43cf1a2-b875-490c-949b-e594bcd751a1\">Bauke Mollema was quickest at the first time check, but faded all the way down to 20th at the second It seems he must have targetted the KOM points on offer for the fastest time at the first check, and has since knocked off the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:28:15.477Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-258871ed-4eea-4862-b835-a1f834bf94f0\">Ben Tulett, on his way to the second best time of the day so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5eb3d41b-2e76-49ef-b78e-3aa45bc230aa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:30:10+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:30:10.899Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-46a559e1-6a30-462d-9e8b-5d1158c57fa9\">Riccitello slowed down a lot in the second half of the course, going from quickest at the second check to fifth at the finish, 30 seconds behind Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The long descent and sharp kick to the finish seems to be having a big impact, with both Riccitello and Johannessen losing lots of ground there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:31:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:31:48.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf29ad59-bfb0-406e-b253-d6c981ed463f\">A very interesting moment now &#8211; Paul Seixas rolls off the ramp! The French sensation appears to include time trialling among the many things he can already do to an elite level, having posted the fourth best time at the Volta ao Algarve stage earlier this year. On a hilly course like this, he might be in contention for the stage victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:04.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474276e8-607e-44fb-a17f-a9b7cd7bd983\">Maxime Decomble is climbing to the finish, but must have crashed at some point as there are a couple of nasty tears in his jersey shorts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:39.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7333aba5-5dee-4009-97de-44d421ef9148\">Florian Lipowitz is on the course. How will he compare to his teammate, and potential GC co-leader, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:35:46+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:35:46.554Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfb524ca-7433-4e51-a2ab-62a7e0e0a86e\">Bruno Armirail has just finished very strongly, rising from 10th best at the 2nd check to 2nd best at the finish. But he&#8217;s still 22 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:36:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:36:57.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e09c027-71e8-4a31-ac2f-3cec9a21da17\">Seixas is quickest at the first time check!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:37:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:37:27.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd99fcf2-aaac-4da5-9baf-1be36588e42a\">Lipowitz is also through that first check with a good time, the fifth fastest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:38:19.840Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c0ea715-2556-4004-be1c-dfc129b54356\">Wow! Seixas is on a monster rise. He&#8217;s just smashed the previous best time of Riccitello by a whole 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:39:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:39:26.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c700a1f1-721a-423e-8e53-7c9310acf04d\">That lead has been reduced to 12 seconds by Lipowitz, who has just gone through the second check, but that&#8217;s still a huge lead for the young Frenchman. The question now is whether he can keep this up for the second half of the course.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:40:33.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a99db11-a929-4dd5-ae7a-620001033f5e\">With its long descent and nasty steep finish, this is a hard course to pace yourself for, especially for an inexperienced rider like Seixas. You need to have a lot left in the tank to speed up the final steep gradients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:41:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:41:06.038Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-804fb908-7696-4484-9e35-a4d1c952c5e0\">Alex Baudin has just set the 5th best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:16.697Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-810a967a-80a2-4824-914a-b53b82630fcc\">Armirail, on his way to posting what remains the second fastest time at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1fc7391d-88f4-4305-a6be-c0c11f6bd335\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:55.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-561bf38c-c098-4195-988e-8c58f04eebab\">Antoni Tiberi has just finished, and is way down in 17th. It seems he doesn\u2019t have the form to compete for the overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:08.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-420c55f9-31c0-4091-b6c2-a1e3c04f23a4\">A very good time for Javier Romo, who is second best at the finish. He&#8217;s another one who finished very strongly, actually completing the final part quicker than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:29+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:29.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-538cceed-2f80-423f-a183-906867a967ee\">Here comes Seixas on the final climb &#8211; and he&#8217;s on course to smash the best time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:48:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:48:08.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-paul-seixas\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PAUL SEIXAS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18c28898-b3e7-4bff-81e5-1bb3aad065f0\">What an extraorindary ride by Paul Seixas &#8211; he&#8217;s just beaten by Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time by an enormous 28 seconds!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:49:35.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68faf3ec-a13b-4c66-a9a4-64e47477197c\">Now Florian Lipowitz finishes. That&#8217;s also a great ride, enough for third, but it pales in comparison to Seixas&#8217;, which was a whole 33 seconds faster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:50:36+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:50:36.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0faf1b80-4e56-4579-9cf4-7458a1585f34\">Next Mattias Skjelmose finishes, with the fourth best time, 45 seconds off Seixas. He could give Lidl a second GC option, along with their main leader Juan Ayuso.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:00:01.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2de817cc-1641-4919-a7f7-00acfefdd9b0\">A very good ride by Michael Leonard sees him set the fifth best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:01:18.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ab91309-3cd3-4b56-b716-ad8161db04b1\">This has been a front-loaded time trial, with many of the big names having set off already. There\u2019s a little while before the next major contenders get going, but we still have Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso to come. Paul Seixas\u2019s is a very strong-looking time, but he doesn\u2019t have the victory sealed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:07:17.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d119f1f5-c758-4d20-b7fd-062675889425\">Julian Alaphilippe is off. As ever we can anticipate an animated race by the Frenchman, though more likely in the road stages rather than today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:08:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:08:15.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827feeff-476c-4658-add6-b48acee1dc72\">Paul Seixas, the leader in the clubhouse.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d1ed1db-25ea-4f26-a9d1-31dc4ae4f8e3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:10:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:10:26.000Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83aa1033-58bf-4a1d-8e44-6b35ed7b00d2\">If Seixas is to win today, it\u2019d be only the third of his career, and a first at World Tour level. The Frenchman is improving at such a rapid rate there\u2019s no telling what he might do this week in the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:16:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:16:54.281Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eb0e9bd8-4354-4e45-b57e-c6648695a41e\">Whatever else happens today, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s remarkable record of having won the time trial stage in all five of the Itzulia Basque Country editions he has competed in during his career has come to an end. The Slovenian still looks strong, but couldn\u2019t compete with the teenager today, in what feels like a passing-of-the-baton moment.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-30da830b-7c7b-4845-a5d0-450fb9cbd0c2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:24:53+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:24:53.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85fc5794-4e70-4331-8934-d821930ecf21\">For the first time in a while there\u2019s a rider on the road threatening the best times. Felix Gro\u00dfschartner has gone through the second check with the second best time, slower only than Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:26:42+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:26:42.026Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8eff7ed1-c4bd-47d5-b381-8da24fc21c3e\">Gro\u00dfschartner is riding primarily as a domestique for UAE teammate Juan Ayuso, but can ride a good time trial on his day &#8211; as he&#8217;s showing today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:27:41+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:27:41.836Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0620a167-d7fc-4b78-aa47-20b552aa7f70\">Here are some of the riders coming up later today to look out for start times included (local time):<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Brandon McNulty 16:38<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0620a167-d7fc-4b78-aa47-20b552aa7f70-2\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin 16:47<\/p>\n<p>Juan Ayuo 17:15<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro 17:17<\/p>\n<p>Mikel Landa 17:23<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:29:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:29:59.116Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9b63d51-7c67-4e75-a97c-0d30885e9194\">While we wait for them to start riding, now would be a good time to digest everything that happened at yesterday\u2019s two Tour of Flanders races. Here\u2019s Sean Kelly\u2019s column on Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s latest exhibition.<\/p>\n<p>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:33:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:33:35.460Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb11d591-20fb-4021-a5c5-13b2ef201128\">Demi Vollering was a less predictable winner of the women\u2019s race, and her tears upon sealing what was a first ever Tour of Flanders title spoke volumes about what it meant to her.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013 Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:34:20+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:34:20.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f29d06f-de15-4212-abec-02c8aec70505\">Here comes Felix Gro\u00dfschartner towards the finish, and he hasn&#8217;t slowed down! This is going to be a very good time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:34:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:34:45.117Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e37f2f5-e93b-4aee-a04c-11e2f339be55\">Second best time for Gro\u00dfschartner. What a ride! Few would have predicted this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:36:25+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:36:25.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0391e5e6-4f99-4826-a011-3ac8d9b5d50e\">To put that into perspective, Gro\u00dfschartner has just become only the second man in the history of Itzulia Basque Country to defeat Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in a time trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:37:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:37:28.179Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-94003578-906b-423d-a646-43178627f3ea\">This climb at the finish is taking its toll on riders who don\u2019t pace themselves up it. A Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe had to lie down for some time upon reaching the top, while a team helper sprayed water on him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:38:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:38:04.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-564333dd-652b-4e5a-87c3-6faaeb14a4c0\">Another big time, this time by Ilan Van Wilder. He\u2019s fourth fastest, 29 seconds down!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:38:47+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:38:47.652Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ea678d1-9c85-47de-ad64-2d87dff95c7f\">Van Wilder is a very good time trialist, but that\u2019s still another surprise, albeit not quite so much as Gro\u00dfschartner\u2019s time. Could it be that the wind has changed to a more favourable direction?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:39:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:39:14.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd73378a-259d-4987-8263-353aef121ddb\">If it has, then Brandon McNulty could be about to benefit. The American has just started his ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:43:25+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:43:25.708Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-08d8e9b3-8a46-423a-987d-d2d908446ed4\">The good times at the finish keep coming &#8211; AJ August is the latest, posting the sixth best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:45:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:45:50.474Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae4f5c06-3073-4c71-9ec9-7c18d42188df\">That ride from August would certainly suggest that the wind may well indeed have changed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:46:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:46:43.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83ded64a-e4ea-4d59-a28f-7617a9964c72\">McNulty is looking good, but will have to speed up if he&#8217;s to challenge for the stage win. He&#8217;s fourth at the second time check, a second slower than his UAE teammate Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:47:13+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:47:13.518Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ac821f5-27f5-4389-ba33-84039633d171\">Seixas at the finish, setting what remains the best time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cdf7bc23-d711-4a05-97b4-c912c92d2398\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:47:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:47:55.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca0764bd-59de-44dc-9928-5f62f8cf4a33\">Another big name now is poised at the start &#8211; K\u00e9vin Vauquelin. The Itzulia Basque Country as a whole is a stage race that should really suit him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:50:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:50:45.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-06f32f0c-b721-4a1c-97b3-a25599590167\">Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, setting the second fastest time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2298c775-4297-4aed-a027-05a1175acdf5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:55:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:55:04.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54c23ac6-ad0b-4e84-a57a-19de2dd1263f\">Vauquelin is through the first time check 5th, five seconds slower than Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:56:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:56:27.247Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8de17246-a0ea-4ed5-a736-b30eea6c1fd0\">McNulty is on the climb, but Seixas s time has alerady gone. That&#8217;s another rival seen off by the French teenager.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:56:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:56:54.423Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74ddaa16-fee6-4e65-9ba8-d80491b81827\">McNulty finishes with the seventh best time. He faded in the second half.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:59:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:59:19.614Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75923e3d-4bd7-4916-b031-3d379ba5b8cd\">Vauquelin is through the second check with the third best time, the same as Gro\u00dfschartner. He&#8217;s in the running for a podium finish at this rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:05:05+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:05:05.996Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fe3198f9-50e5-4c96-9932-cec42452c983\">Vauquelin is on the climb, and is looking good for a podium finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:05:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:05:39.833Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80ba76c8-76bc-4556-aa09-7b5511738873\">Second place for Vauquelin! That&#8217;s good enough for a podium finish for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:08:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:08:07.890Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-840e92b4-522f-41d2-9190-f6f5fe0da8f1\">As impressive as that was from Vauquelin, it\u2019s still a whole 23 seconds slower than Seixas. Even if conditions are more favourable than earlier, it\u2019s going to be difficult even for Ayuso or Del Toro to beat the Frenchman\u2019s time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:12:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:12:31.485Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-327a0af4-6a19-428a-b968-5905ac17809c\">Just five minutes or so until Juan Ayuso starts his ride. He beat Seixas at the Volta ao Algarve time trial &#8211; can he do so again today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:15:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:15:50.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dc79ef23-b2f2-4468-bce3-85426d0d8b1f\">Off goes Juan Ayuso! He&#8217;s got his game face on and sprints off the start ramp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:17:37+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:17:37.784Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d025d82d-d4cb-4dd2-97ca-0b6429797572\">And now Isaac del Toro sets off! So far in his career time trialling has been one of the few areas he hasn\u2019t fully excelled at, but will enjoy the hills in this one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:20:11+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:20:11.295Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c6ffe6b9-028e-47a1-90ff-d5a5d94b349c\">Ayuso and Del Toro are taking on this first climb with different styles, Ayuso sat in the saddle, Del Toro bouncing out of it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:21:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:21:04.157Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fea8cecb-87ad-46ba-88b8-8dbf166dd65e\">Ayuso is getting out of the saddle a few times to generate more power as he nears the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:22:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:22:35.931Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7afabd51-3343-434d-8921-506b474abc1d\">Ayuso reaches the first check at the top&#8230;and he&#8217;s a long way down! He&#8217;s lost 24 seconds to Seixas already, with 38 riders quicker than him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:23:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:23:12.532Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b38e59b6-81f1-40f3-9d49-4e95815b5c36\">Ayuso did overcook one corner a little, having to adjust his line, but that&#8217;s not enough to explain such a big time loss already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:23:44+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:23:44.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7cac34ae-95d4-4c39-a1a5-60aa92c8b466\">Del Toro is through the first check, and is also off the pace! He&#8217;s 20th fastest at 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:24:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:24:06.313Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e3845d3-f447-468a-8bc6-1937566dba5c\">This is all looking very good for Paul Seixas&#8217;s hopes of sealing the stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:25:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:25:18.680Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5edf21e7-3a56-4305-9dea-00a82b275569\">The last man of the day, Mikel Landa, has set off. All the riders are either out on the road or finished already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:26:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:26:07.534Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a330f30-94d5-4e06-9f86-7717fb989a33\">Meanwhile at the finish, potential GC contender Cian Uijtdebroeks is well down, losing 1:26 as the 46th fastest rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:27:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:27:08.039Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0afd66db-e8b7-490e-9f63-fc7a1fd5e6f4\">Del Toro and Ayuso are through the second check, and have a lot of ground to make up. The former is 21 seconds down, the latter 32 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:27:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:27:48.335Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-24892eb2-567d-4043-a324-8f01e5d68056\">Ayuso is having problems on the descent. He\u2019s not holding back, but has misjudged another corner, having to correct his line once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:30:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:30:39.144Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8f804bf4-d461-4a37-b3fb-0f8133ea6294\">Mikel Landa has made a good start, posting the 8th best time at the first check. Can he keep that up though now he&#8217;s not climbing?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:32:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:32:14.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39cd718f-7d99-4f5b-bf8a-4c813b1947e2\">Landa&#8217;s keeping it up for now, remaining 8th best at the second check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:33:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:33:09.774Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f6f9567c-7c80-45bd-ab58-579aaf7a1329\">Ayuso is nearing the final climb. He&#8217;ll have some ground to make up after that slow start and problems on the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:33:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:33:35.588Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2ce6f32-a15d-4471-921a-962608d6e438\">Ayuso is on the climb now, but is a long way off the best times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:34:21+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:34:21.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67e96269-3590-4b87-bde5-20c6dadc7337\">Ayuso finishes, well down in 35th at 1:16 . That could already be fatal for his GC chances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:34:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:34:33.943Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2a3b825b-a849-493d-b2cd-e7a69a03fe1d\">Now we wait for Del Toro.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:35:22+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:35:22.595Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5da9583-e680-4692-b792-c11a00dc101d\">Del Toro&#8217;s climbing&#8230;and he&#8217;s outside of Seixas&#8217;s time already. That will surely be victory for the Frenchman!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:36:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:36:16.093Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c62fe918-56e3-4438-8c4a-1d38cd75dcc8\">13th for Del Toro, at 51 seconds. That&#8217;s not bad for the Mexican, but he would not have wanted to lose quite so much time to his teenage GC rival.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:36:49+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:36:49.330Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad68a65d-b90d-4b5f-b6e4-4f8a1bda43d9\">Only three riders are left to finish, and none of them are going to threaten Seixas&#8217; time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:40:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:40:07.539Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dcfc147b-788a-4ac9-a83a-ec5a18d50626\">Harold Tejada is the penultimate rider to finish, and he&#8217;s done a decent time, finishing 17th. That&#8217;ll keep him up there in GC contention come the hilly road stages later in the week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:41:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:41:19.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0abd1249-75b9-4454-9e6a-77b74bd79875\">And finally here comes Mikel Landa, being cheered up the climb by his Basque home fans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:42:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:42:15.218Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17427423-4196-4104-a0a9-1df78d2d9ea6\">It&#8217;s a good ride, somewhere just outside the top ten.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:43:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:43:09.597Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-wins\"><span>PAUL SEIXAS WINS <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f8ff063-8439-4f6d-9c76-ca2237b7ea9c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But it&#8217;s not good enough to beat Paul Seixas , who takes a huge time trial victory!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:46:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:46:17.933Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af620846-1db2-4f3b-b7df-ef64171606d2\">That was an enormous victory for Paul Seixas. The distance of 23 seconds between himself and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin in second place was as big as that between Vauquelin and the man in tenth place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:47:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:47:06.817Z<\/time>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:50:21+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:50:21.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b858e8d-583c-4d0a-9d7d-59b51e241d6c\">Seixas has laid down some marker with that result today. The pressure will now be on the Decathlon team to defend his overall lead from now until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:51:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:51:57.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-983676b9-3718-4aa5-b4c2-bee69ba5750c\">Can K\u00e9vin Vauquelin challenge him? He\u2019s the best poised on GC after this time trial, and is clearly in great form himself, and would have won this stage by four seconds were it not for Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:53:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:53:34.999Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0994bf2c-4bd1-4249-80d1-56751bc64dcf\">Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe have both the numbers and the quality to challenge for GC. They end today with Rogli\u010d in fourth overall at 28 seconds and Lipowitz in sixth overall at 33 seconds. If they work together, they can give Seixas and Decathlon serious headaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:57:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:57:09.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5044a2d3-a14d-4700-a40d-76315c0321d0\">The view in Bilbao, featuring the famous Guggenheim museum.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a9af911a-596c-483a-8305-69476b57d48b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:01:53+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:01:53.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9c1defb-fcd9-4518-b040-2ea7d0403809\">Not so well placed is Isaac Del Toro, who has a lot of ground to make up already, having lost 51 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, he has two UAE teammates ahead of him on GC in Brandon McNulty and the impressive Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, though once in his favoured terrain of road stages we can expect the Mexican to assert his authority and start going on the attack to try and claw back the time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a7f738c4-0cd2-44dc-8c5f-c34cf86ffac4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:05:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:05:32.358Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57d6f407-099e-402e-895e-010ccbbc8bc2\">What next for Juan Ayuso? 38th was well lower than he\u2019d usually expect on a time trial like this, and 1:16 is an awful lot of time to make up in a week-long stage race. It may be that he has not fully recovered from the crash that forced him to abandon Paris-Nice last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">If not, Lidl teammate Skjelmose could take over as GC leader, having today finished 9th at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2aaef3ef-4ea3-4bdd-ad1b-c6fd687d14d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:11:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:11:54.791Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84caab64-a4a8-4310-bcd7-66634e064ef6\">Seixas, on his way to the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d7471bd-ce21-445a-bab5-de6aea953978\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:16:41+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:16:41.660Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1a0146b5-8be0-47ea-897c-ab5a4e52d033\">Thanks for joining us today, on a stage that will surely be remembered as one of the big breakthroughs in the blossoming career of Paul Seixas. He continues to not just live up to the hype, but exceed it, and proved himself to be a very accomplished time trialist, on top of everything else.<\/p>\n<p>Now, he\u2019ll turn his attention towards defending the yellow jersey, starting with tomorrow\u2019s hilly stage, which features a category one climb towards the end where he could be put under pressure. We\u2019ll have live coverage from start to finish, so be sure to log in again for all the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-465f3d46-5b53-431e-9dbc-85e0f9207286\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nItzulia Basque Country\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long \">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/h1>\n<h2>A 13.9km time trial to open proceedings<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:16:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-world-tour-stage-race-begins-with-time-trial\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2025 Itzulia Basque Country: the final podium (L-Enric Mas, C-Jo\u00e3o Almeida, R-Max Schachmann)<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nItzulia Basque Country\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long \">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/h1>\n<h2>A 13.9km time trial to open proceedings<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:16:41Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-world-tour-stage-race-begins-with-time-trial\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2025 Itzulia Basque Country: the final podium (L-Enric Mas, C-Jo\u00e3o Almeida, R-Max Schachmann)<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<p id=\"elk-ea84c86d-9b21-4bab-b494-c4ed2cca2edc\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-54859928-af13-4e27-be53-070dc50c7cb1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vLuc3hPwoG6zeosD2nwAmM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage 1 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Itzulia Basque Country)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-results\"><span>Race Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ffba19d0-449c-4e39-b09c-31c998a8e768-0\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:07:00+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:07:00.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage one of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:11:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:11:35.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79b1ff0d-5fb2-43ea-858a-dc9eb058a696\">After the thrills and spills of the Tour of Flanders yesterday, it\u2019s time for something very different before the classics resume with Paris-Roubaix. The World Tour continues, but away from the cobbled bergs of Flanders, and instead inside another of cycling\u2019s heartlands &#8211; the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:14:59.298Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0c8f5b6-cc70-4e25-8984-bd578abccda3\">This race is all about climbers and puncheurs, held in terrain with barely a flat stretch of road and steep hills lying around seemingly every corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:16:58+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:16:58.879Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e3808c0-d362-41b1-b72d-ae4bdf415157\">Not today, however &#8211; the race will begin with an Individual Time Trial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While there is a small rise for the first few kilometres of the course, the rest is either downhill or flat before a minor uphill to the finish, meaning this is a chance for the more powerful GC contenders to gain an early advantage in the race for overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:20:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:20:43.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab3ecd58-94c1-4c60-b2ac-648b619c80da\">The first rider, Georg Zimmermann, will set off in about ten minutes, at 14:20 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:23:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:23:06.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-038bdb1f-737f-48ff-8e69-9ea973f30ff9\">Here&#8217;s the full of start times, with home favourite Mikel Landa last off at 17:23 local time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:28:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:28:08.416Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8997d9-42e0-4c0a-a76c-0a477799a0c9\">As for the biggest names &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is off nice and early, at 14:46, the much-hyped Paul Seixas at 15:29, and top GC contenders Juan Ayuso will be 17:15, and Isaac del Toro 17:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:31:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:31:39.420Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18d09f43-9c4e-4ea7-9306-796476955e76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off! Georg Zimmermann rolls off the start ramp to get this time trial opening of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:34:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:34:59.919Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced9239-e5e9-4c2b-8ab9-eb72d414251e\">The riders are setting off at one minute intervals, until the final 21 riders, between him will be two minutes each.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:37:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:37:09.623Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6bc0746-825a-4396-9dab-21b54d3d4f13\">We won\u2019t have to wait long until a first big name. Ion Izagirre will be the eighth rider to start, a former winner of this race from 2019, and in fine form having only just won the GP Miguel Indurain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:40:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:40:12.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2eeaccbc-e243-4fa6-addf-69e62ace2dd5\">Izagirre is off now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:42:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:42:50.125Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1e8c190-3ac8-45a0-8a42-a53266360d1e\">There are two intermediate points on the route today &#8211; the first at the top of the climb, the Alto Santo Domingo, that comes just a few kilometres into the route, and the second just a few kilometres later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:45:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:45:07.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40babf1a-9bbb-4245-bba6-15b45fd9475c\">Young Markel Beloki is the early pace-setter at the second check, posting a time of 7:53, 6 seconds quicker than Filippo Fiorelli, and 7 seconds quicker than Iker Mintegi, who&#8217;s time was quickest at the first check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:46:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:46:34.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4f32b17-ef80-4bdf-bbd4-50cda9fad918\">It\u2019s a hot day in Bilbao today, with temperatures nearly 30 degrees. There\u2019s no sign the results will be shaped by varying weather conditions, with no threat of rain falling at any point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:47:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:47:39.906Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f4e9a16-f2e4-4462-9f6a-7bfda62556c1\">Here goes Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d! The two-time former winner of this race will want a big time today to prove his credentials as a GC contender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:48:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:48:59.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2e9ffe0-a5ff-4974-ab0f-8d5c28c2a9bc\">Ion Izagirre is through the first two checks, and isn\u2019t going as fast as expected. He\u2019s only fourth fastest at the second, 10 seconds down on Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:53:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:53:45.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfdcc826-4708-412c-add7-7e751d76277a\">Rogli\u010d was one of the men we picked out as the top contenders for overall victory this week. Have a full read of our analysis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:54:48.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4384a966-0c88-475f-a25c-bb65e0829bd9\">As expected, Rogli\u010d is posts a new best time at the first check, a whole 7 seconds faster than Mintegi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:55:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:55:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a72681-32ed-4d89-af2b-9ef23cd67410\">And Rogli\u010d has increased his advantage at the second time check, 12 seconds faster than the former leader Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:58:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:58:15.179Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-ion-izagirre\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; ION IZAGIRRE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0ce6d98d-bd50-4760-8825-cea00d46d9a4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first few riders have finished &#8211; and Ion Izagirre is quickest among them! He sped up in the final part of the course significantly, to complete it in a time of 18:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:00:01.923Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce48723f-eab9-4837-86b3-69f6061df0d0\">The big names are starting to come thick and fast already. The in-form Tobias Halland Johannessen has started his ride, as has Irish star Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:01:14.484Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4e9e6c-5c05-41ae-8e78-ee10d6729560\">Johannessen is looking very good &#8211; he&#8217;s just bettered Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the first check by one second! Can he keep up this pace?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:02:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:02:27.242Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280fd115-38c5-4221-b8ff-eab39b8c82f7\">Johannessen has slowed a little, and is one second down on Rogli\u010d at the second check. There&#8217;s still plenty of road to be run from there until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:04:38+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:04:38.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd64ac16-4bc9-4549-8257-30b7e99e1151\">Ben Tulett is looking good too, just three seconds off Rogli\u010d at the second check. He\u2019s likely to be be Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s GC leader this week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:05:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:05:55.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280da892-debd-46d4-b6c5-af662e753e55\">Pello Bilbao, who shares a name with the location today, is off on the road. He\u2019s another home favourite but does he still have the legs to compete for overall victory here? Today\u2019s time trial will tell us a lot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:07:02+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:07:02.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-primoz-roglic\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PRIMOZ ROGLIC<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce7d35cf-d1fc-4535-b3ce-7f0112c947d1\">Rogli\u010d has smashed Izagirre&#8217;s time! He&#8217;s a whole 33 seconds quicker at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:08:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:08:31.846Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdb76f4-456b-4dff-9541-80cc963e2de2\">Prior to Rogli\u010d, Beloki was the only rider to come within 20 seconds of Izagirre\u2019s time. The Slovenian is on a whole other level so far &#8211; but how will Johannessen fare?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:11:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:11:27.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6454f91e-28b2-489d-9ef6-bb1b0dd8a811\">Johannessen is climbing the final rise to the finish, will he beat Rogli\u010d?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:12:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:12:08.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c61cc31d-fb00-400a-ba5c-851a3d374374\">No, as he&#8217;s not even close! He lost a lot of time in the second half of the route and finishes 29 seconds down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:13:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:13:26.268Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-47febfdb-a835-41ee-908c-d67a5151fedf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:14:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:14:12.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed834bb0-2603-4e14-b2bd-c27204d57dde\">Tulett also can&#8217;t challenge Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time &#8211; he&#8217;s quicker than Johanessen, but a distant 24 seconds off the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:16:19.730Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-511326a3-961d-4d67-8b84-635c04d19603\">Matthew Riccitello is on a flyer &#8211; he&#8217;s set the new best time at the second check, quicker even than Rogli\u010d, albeit it by one one second.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:17:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:17:57.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d468917-174c-4fd8-893b-4b38e775f80c\">Ben Healy came home 6th fastest, 45 seconds slower than Rogli\u010d. That&#8217;s a hefty chunk already, if he has GC ambitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:18:24+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:18:24.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f06f576f-6dc8-47d1-9f61-149d3d135665\">The current leader at the clubhouse, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-261ef1ac-f2cd-4cfd-b9ec-acead949987b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:20:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:20:27.248Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6482f214-59cc-41de-a85f-e914c5d73ff0\">Bilbao is climbing to the finish, and looking like he&#8217;s finishing strongly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:21:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:21:15.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b461e3f-6414-4e4c-abe9-38c3f8c585f6\">He has indeed, finishing third fastest, 25 seconds slower than the best time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:24:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:24:32.773Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b43cf1a2-b875-490c-949b-e594bcd751a1\">Bauke Mollema was quickest at the first time check, but faded all the way down to 20th at the second It seems he must have targetted the KOM points on offer for the fastest time at the first check, and has since knocked off the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:28:15.477Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-258871ed-4eea-4862-b835-a1f834bf94f0\">Ben Tulett, on his way to the second best time of the day so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5eb3d41b-2e76-49ef-b78e-3aa45bc230aa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:30:10+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:30:10.899Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-46a559e1-6a30-462d-9e8b-5d1158c57fa9\">Riccitello slowed down a lot in the second half of the course, going from quickest at the second check to fifth at the finish, 30 seconds behind Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The long descent and sharp kick to the finish seems to be having a big impact, with both Riccitello and Johannessen losing lots of ground there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:31:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:31:48.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf29ad59-bfb0-406e-b253-d6c981ed463f\">A very interesting moment now &#8211; Paul Seixas rolls off the ramp! The French sensation appears to include time trialling among the many things he can already do to an elite level, having posted the fourth best time at the Volta ao Algarve stage earlier this year. On a hilly course like this, he might be in contention for the stage victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:04.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474276e8-607e-44fb-a17f-a9b7cd7bd983\">Maxime Decomble is climbing to the finish, but must have crashed at some point as there are a couple of nasty tears in his jersey shorts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:39.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7333aba5-5dee-4009-97de-44d421ef9148\">Florian Lipowitz is on the course. How will he compare to his teammate, and potential GC co-leader, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:35:46+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:35:46.554Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfb524ca-7433-4e51-a2ab-62a7e0e0a86e\">Bruno Armirail has just finished very strongly, rising from 10th best at the 2nd check to 2nd best at the finish. But he&#8217;s still 22 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:36:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:36:57.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e09c027-71e8-4a31-ac2f-3cec9a21da17\">Seixas is quickest at the first time check!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:37:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:37:27.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd99fcf2-aaac-4da5-9baf-1be36588e42a\">Lipowitz is also through that first check with a good time, the fifth fastest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:38:19.840Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c0ea715-2556-4004-be1c-dfc129b54356\">Wow! Seixas is on a monster rise. He&#8217;s just smashed the previous best time of Riccitello by a whole 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:39:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:39:26.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c700a1f1-721a-423e-8e53-7c9310acf04d\">That lead has been reduced to 12 seconds by Lipowitz, who has just gone through the second check, but that&#8217;s still a huge lead for the young Frenchman. The question now is whether he can keep this up for the second half of the course.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:40:33.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a99db11-a929-4dd5-ae7a-620001033f5e\">With its long descent and nasty steep finish, this is a hard course to pace yourself for, especially for an inexperienced rider like Seixas. You need to have a lot left in the tank to speed up the final steep gradients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:41:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:41:06.038Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-804fb908-7696-4484-9e35-a4d1c952c5e0\">Alex Baudin has just set the 5th best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:16.697Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-810a967a-80a2-4824-914a-b53b82630fcc\">Armirail, on his way to posting what remains the second fastest time at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1fc7391d-88f4-4305-a6be-c0c11f6bd335\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:55.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-561bf38c-c098-4195-988e-8c58f04eebab\">Antoni Tiberi has just finished, and is way down in 17th. It seems he doesn\u2019t have the form to compete for the overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:08.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-420c55f9-31c0-4091-b6c2-a1e3c04f23a4\">A very good time for Javier Romo, who is second best at the finish. He&#8217;s another one who finished very strongly, actually completing the final part quicker than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:29+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:29.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-538cceed-2f80-423f-a183-906867a967ee\">Here comes Seixas on the final climb &#8211; and he&#8217;s on course to smash the best time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:48:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:48:08.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-paul-seixas\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PAUL SEIXAS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18c28898-b3e7-4bff-81e5-1bb3aad065f0\">What an extraorindary ride by Paul Seixas &#8211; he&#8217;s just beaten by Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time by an enormous 28 seconds!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:49:35.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68faf3ec-a13b-4c66-a9a4-64e47477197c\">Now Florian Lipowitz finishes. That&#8217;s also a great ride, enough for third, but it pales in comparison to Seixas&#8217;, which was a whole 33 seconds faster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:50:36+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:50:36.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0faf1b80-4e56-4579-9cf4-7458a1585f34\">Next Mattias Skjelmose finishes, with the fourth best time, 45 seconds off Seixas. He could give Lidl a second GC option, along with their main leader Juan Ayuso.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:00:01.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2de817cc-1641-4919-a7f7-00acfefdd9b0\">A very good ride by Michael Leonard sees him set the fifth best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:01:18.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ab91309-3cd3-4b56-b716-ad8161db04b1\">This has been a front-loaded time trial, with many of the big names having set off already. There\u2019s a little while before the next major contenders get going, but we still have Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso to come. Paul Seixas\u2019s is a very strong-looking time, but he doesn\u2019t have the victory sealed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:07:17.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d119f1f5-c758-4d20-b7fd-062675889425\">Julian Alaphilippe is off. As ever we can anticipate an animated race by the Frenchman, though more likely in the road stages rather than today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:08:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:08:15.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827feeff-476c-4658-add6-b48acee1dc72\">Paul Seixas, the leader in the clubhouse.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d1ed1db-25ea-4f26-a9d1-31dc4ae4f8e3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:10:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:10:26.000Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83aa1033-58bf-4a1d-8e44-6b35ed7b00d2\">If Seixas is to win today, it\u2019d be only the third of his career, and a first at World Tour level. The Frenchman is improving at such a rapid rate there\u2019s no telling what he might do this week in the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:16:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:16:54.281Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eb0e9bd8-4354-4e45-b57e-c6648695a41e\">Whatever else happens today, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s remarkable record of having won the time trial stage in all five of the Itzulia Basque Country editions he has competed in during his career has come to an end. The Slovenian still looks strong, but couldn\u2019t compete with the teenager today, in what feels like a passing-of-the-baton moment.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-30da830b-7c7b-4845-a5d0-450fb9cbd0c2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:24:53+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:24:53.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85fc5794-4e70-4331-8934-d821930ecf21\">For the first time in a while there\u2019s a rider on the road threatening the best times. Felix Gro\u00dfschartner has gone through the second check with the second best time, slower only than Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:26:42+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:26:42.026Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8eff7ed1-c4bd-47d5-b381-8da24fc21c3e\">Gro\u00dfschartner is riding primarily as a domestique for UAE teammate Juan Ayuso, but can ride a good time trial on his day &#8211; as he&#8217;s showing today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:27:41+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:27:41.836Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0620a167-d7fc-4b78-aa47-20b552aa7f70\">Here are some of the riders coming up later today to look out for start times included (local time):<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Brandon McNulty 16:38<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0620a167-d7fc-4b78-aa47-20b552aa7f70-2\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin 16:47<\/p>\n<p>Juan Ayuo 17:15<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro 17:17<\/p>\n<p>Mikel Landa 17:23<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:29:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:29:59.116Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9b63d51-7c67-4e75-a97c-0d30885e9194\">While we wait for them to start riding, now would be a good time to digest everything that happened at yesterday\u2019s two Tour of Flanders races. Here\u2019s Sean Kelly\u2019s column on Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s latest exhibition.<\/p>\n<p>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:33:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:33:35.460Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb11d591-20fb-4021-a5c5-13b2ef201128\">Demi Vollering was a less predictable winner of the women\u2019s race, and her tears upon sealing what was a first ever Tour of Flanders title spoke volumes about what it meant to her.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013 Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:34:20+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:34:20.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f29d06f-de15-4212-abec-02c8aec70505\">Here comes Felix Gro\u00dfschartner towards the finish, and he hasn&#8217;t slowed down! This is going to be a very good time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:34:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:34:45.117Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e37f2f5-e93b-4aee-a04c-11e2f339be55\">Second best time for Gro\u00dfschartner. What a ride! Few would have predicted this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:36:25+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:36:25.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0391e5e6-4f99-4826-a011-3ac8d9b5d50e\">To put that into perspective, Gro\u00dfschartner has just become only the second man in the history of Itzulia Basque Country to defeat Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in a time trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:37:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:37:28.179Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-94003578-906b-423d-a646-43178627f3ea\">This climb at the finish is taking its toll on riders who don\u2019t pace themselves up it. A Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe had to lie down for some time upon reaching the top, while a team helper sprayed water on him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:38:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:38:04.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-564333dd-652b-4e5a-87c3-6faaeb14a4c0\">Another big time, this time by Ilan Van Wilder. He\u2019s fourth fastest, 29 seconds down!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:38:47+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:38:47.652Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ea678d1-9c85-47de-ad64-2d87dff95c7f\">Van Wilder is a very good time trialist, but that\u2019s still another surprise, albeit not quite so much as Gro\u00dfschartner\u2019s time. Could it be that the wind has changed to a more favourable direction?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:39:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:39:14.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd73378a-259d-4987-8263-353aef121ddb\">If it has, then Brandon McNulty could be about to benefit. The American has just started his ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:43:25+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:43:25.708Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-08d8e9b3-8a46-423a-987d-d2d908446ed4\">The good times at the finish keep coming &#8211; AJ August is the latest, posting the sixth best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:45:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:45:50.474Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae4f5c06-3073-4c71-9ec9-7c18d42188df\">That ride from August would certainly suggest that the wind may well indeed have changed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:46:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:46:43.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83ded64a-e4ea-4d59-a28f-7617a9964c72\">McNulty is looking good, but will have to speed up if he&#8217;s to challenge for the stage win. He&#8217;s fourth at the second time check, a second slower than his UAE teammate Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:47:13+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:47:13.518Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ac821f5-27f5-4389-ba33-84039633d171\">Seixas at the finish, setting what remains the best time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cdf7bc23-d711-4a05-97b4-c912c92d2398\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:47:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:47:55.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca0764bd-59de-44dc-9928-5f62f8cf4a33\">Another big name now is poised at the start &#8211; K\u00e9vin Vauquelin. The Itzulia Basque Country as a whole is a stage race that should really suit him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:50:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:50:45.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-06f32f0c-b721-4a1c-97b3-a25599590167\">Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, setting the second fastest time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2298c775-4297-4aed-a027-05a1175acdf5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:55:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:55:04.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54c23ac6-ad0b-4e84-a57a-19de2dd1263f\">Vauquelin is through the first time check 5th, five seconds slower than Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:56:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:56:27.247Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8de17246-a0ea-4ed5-a736-b30eea6c1fd0\">McNulty is on the climb, but Seixas s time has alerady gone. That&#8217;s another rival seen off by the French teenager.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:56:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:56:54.423Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74ddaa16-fee6-4e65-9ba8-d80491b81827\">McNulty finishes with the seventh best time. He faded in the second half.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:59:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:59:19.614Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75923e3d-4bd7-4916-b031-3d379ba5b8cd\">Vauquelin is through the second check with the third best time, the same as Gro\u00dfschartner. He&#8217;s in the running for a podium finish at this rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:05:05+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:05:05.996Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fe3198f9-50e5-4c96-9932-cec42452c983\">Vauquelin is on the climb, and is looking good for a podium finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:05:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:05:39.833Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80ba76c8-76bc-4556-aa09-7b5511738873\">Second place for Vauquelin! That&#8217;s good enough for a podium finish for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:08:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:08:07.890Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-840e92b4-522f-41d2-9190-f6f5fe0da8f1\">As impressive as that was from Vauquelin, it\u2019s still a whole 23 seconds slower than Seixas. Even if conditions are more favourable than earlier, it\u2019s going to be difficult even for Ayuso or Del Toro to beat the Frenchman\u2019s time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:12:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:12:31.485Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-327a0af4-6a19-428a-b968-5905ac17809c\">Just five minutes or so until Juan Ayuso starts his ride. He beat Seixas at the Volta ao Algarve time trial &#8211; can he do so again today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:15:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:15:50.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dc79ef23-b2f2-4468-bce3-85426d0d8b1f\">Off goes Juan Ayuso! He&#8217;s got his game face on and sprints off the start ramp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:17:37+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:17:37.784Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d025d82d-d4cb-4dd2-97ca-0b6429797572\">And now Isaac del Toro sets off! So far in his career time trialling has been one of the few areas he hasn\u2019t fully excelled at, but will enjoy the hills in this one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:20:11+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:20:11.295Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c6ffe6b9-028e-47a1-90ff-d5a5d94b349c\">Ayuso and Del Toro are taking on this first climb with different styles, Ayuso sat in the saddle, Del Toro bouncing out of it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:21:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:21:04.157Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fea8cecb-87ad-46ba-88b8-8dbf166dd65e\">Ayuso is getting out of the saddle a few times to generate more power as he nears the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:22:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:22:35.931Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7afabd51-3343-434d-8921-506b474abc1d\">Ayuso reaches the first check at the top&#8230;and he&#8217;s a long way down! He&#8217;s lost 24 seconds to Seixas already, with 38 riders quicker than him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:23:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:23:12.532Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b38e59b6-81f1-40f3-9d49-4e95815b5c36\">Ayuso did overcook one corner a little, having to adjust his line, but that&#8217;s not enough to explain such a big time loss already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:23:44+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:23:44.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7cac34ae-95d4-4c39-a1a5-60aa92c8b466\">Del Toro is through the first check, and is also off the pace! He&#8217;s 20th fastest at 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:24:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:24:06.313Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e3845d3-f447-468a-8bc6-1937566dba5c\">This is all looking very good for Paul Seixas&#8217;s hopes of sealing the stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:25:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:25:18.680Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5edf21e7-3a56-4305-9dea-00a82b275569\">The last man of the day, Mikel Landa, has set off. All the riders are either out on the road or finished already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:26:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:26:07.534Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a330f30-94d5-4e06-9f86-7717fb989a33\">Meanwhile at the finish, potential GC contender Cian Uijtdebroeks is well down, losing 1:26 as the 46th fastest rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:27:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:27:08.039Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0afd66db-e8b7-490e-9f63-fc7a1fd5e6f4\">Del Toro and Ayuso are through the second check, and have a lot of ground to make up. The former is 21 seconds down, the latter 32 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:27:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:27:48.335Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-24892eb2-567d-4043-a324-8f01e5d68056\">Ayuso is having problems on the descent. He\u2019s not holding back, but has misjudged another corner, having to correct his line once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:30:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:30:39.144Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8f804bf4-d461-4a37-b3fb-0f8133ea6294\">Mikel Landa has made a good start, posting the 8th best time at the first check. Can he keep that up though now he&#8217;s not climbing?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:32:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:32:14.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39cd718f-7d99-4f5b-bf8a-4c813b1947e2\">Landa&#8217;s keeping it up for now, remaining 8th best at the second check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:33:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:33:09.774Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f6f9567c-7c80-45bd-ab58-579aaf7a1329\">Ayuso is nearing the final climb. He&#8217;ll have some ground to make up after that slow start and problems on the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:33:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:33:35.588Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2ce6f32-a15d-4471-921a-962608d6e438\">Ayuso is on the climb now, but is a long way off the best times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:34:21+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:34:21.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67e96269-3590-4b87-bde5-20c6dadc7337\">Ayuso finishes, well down in 35th at 1:16 . That could already be fatal for his GC chances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:34:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:34:33.943Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2a3b825b-a849-493d-b2cd-e7a69a03fe1d\">Now we wait for Del Toro.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:35:22+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:35:22.595Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5da9583-e680-4692-b792-c11a00dc101d\">Del Toro&#8217;s climbing&#8230;and he&#8217;s outside of Seixas&#8217;s time already. That will surely be victory for the Frenchman!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:36:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:36:16.093Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c62fe918-56e3-4438-8c4a-1d38cd75dcc8\">13th for Del Toro, at 51 seconds. That&#8217;s not bad for the Mexican, but he would not have wanted to lose quite so much time to his teenage GC rival.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:36:49+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:36:49.330Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad68a65d-b90d-4b5f-b6e4-4f8a1bda43d9\">Only three riders are left to finish, and none of them are going to threaten Seixas&#8217; time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:40:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:40:07.539Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dcfc147b-788a-4ac9-a83a-ec5a18d50626\">Harold Tejada is the penultimate rider to finish, and he&#8217;s done a decent time, finishing 17th. That&#8217;ll keep him up there in GC contention come the hilly road stages later in the week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:41:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:41:19.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0abd1249-75b9-4454-9e6a-77b74bd79875\">And finally here comes Mikel Landa, being cheered up the climb by his Basque home fans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:42:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:42:15.218Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17427423-4196-4104-a0a9-1df78d2d9ea6\">It&#8217;s a good ride, somewhere just outside the top ten.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:43:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:43:09.597Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-wins\"><span>PAUL SEIXAS WINS <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f8ff063-8439-4f6d-9c76-ca2237b7ea9c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But it&#8217;s not good enough to beat Paul Seixas , who takes a huge time trial victory!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:46:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:46:17.933Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af620846-1db2-4f3b-b7df-ef64171606d2\">That was an enormous victory for Paul Seixas. The distance of 23 seconds between himself and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin in second place was as big as that between Vauquelin and the man in tenth place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:47:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:47:06.817Z<\/time>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:50:21+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:50:21.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b858e8d-583c-4d0a-9d7d-59b51e241d6c\">Seixas has laid down some marker with that result today. The pressure will now be on the Decathlon team to defend his overall lead from now until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:51:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:51:57.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-983676b9-3718-4aa5-b4c2-bee69ba5750c\">Can K\u00e9vin Vauquelin challenge him? He\u2019s the best poised on GC after this time trial, and is clearly in great form himself, and would have won this stage by four seconds were it not for Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:53:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:53:34.999Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0994bf2c-4bd1-4249-80d1-56751bc64dcf\">Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe have both the numbers and the quality to challenge for GC. They end today with Rogli\u010d in fourth overall at 28 seconds and Lipowitz in sixth overall at 33 seconds. If they work together, they can give Seixas and Decathlon serious headaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:57:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:57:09.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5044a2d3-a14d-4700-a40d-76315c0321d0\">The view in Bilbao, featuring the famous Guggenheim museum.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a9af911a-596c-483a-8305-69476b57d48b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:01:53+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:01:53.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9c1defb-fcd9-4518-b040-2ea7d0403809\">Not so well placed is Isaac Del Toro, who has a lot of ground to make up already, having lost 51 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, he has two UAE teammates ahead of him on GC in Brandon McNulty and the impressive Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, though once in his favoured terrain of road stages we can expect the Mexican to assert his authority and start going on the attack to try and claw back the time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a7f738c4-0cd2-44dc-8c5f-c34cf86ffac4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:05:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:05:32.358Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57d6f407-099e-402e-895e-010ccbbc8bc2\">What next for Juan Ayuso? 38th was well lower than he\u2019d usually expect on a time trial like this, and 1:16 is an awful lot of time to make up in a week-long stage race. It may be that he has not fully recovered from the crash that forced him to abandon Paris-Nice last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">If not, Lidl teammate Skjelmose could take over as GC leader, having today finished 9th at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2aaef3ef-4ea3-4bdd-ad1b-c6fd687d14d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:11:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:11:54.791Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84caab64-a4a8-4310-bcd7-66634e064ef6\">Seixas, on his way to the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d7471bd-ce21-445a-bab5-de6aea953978\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:16:41+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:16:41.660Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1a0146b5-8be0-47ea-897c-ab5a4e52d033\">Thanks for joining us today, on a stage that will surely be remembered as one of the big breakthroughs in the blossoming career of Paul Seixas. He continues to not just live up to the hype, but exceed it, and proved himself to be a very accomplished time trialist, on top of everything else.<\/p>\n<p>Now, he\u2019ll turn his attention towards defending the yellow jersey, starting with tomorrow\u2019s hilly stage, which features a category one climb towards the end where he could be put under pressure. We\u2019ll have live coverage from start to finish, so be sure to log in again for all the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-465f3d46-5b53-431e-9dbc-85e0f9207286\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:07:00+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:07:00.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage one of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:11:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:11:35.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79b1ff0d-5fb2-43ea-858a-dc9eb058a696\">After the thrills and spills of the Tour of Flanders yesterday, it\u2019s time for something very different before the classics resume with Paris-Roubaix. The World Tour continues, but away from the cobbled bergs of Flanders, and instead inside another of cycling\u2019s heartlands &#8211; the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:14:59.298Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0c8f5b6-cc70-4e25-8984-bd578abccda3\">This race is all about climbers and puncheurs, held in terrain with barely a flat stretch of road and steep hills lying around seemingly every corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:16:58+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:16:58.879Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e3808c0-d362-41b1-b72d-ae4bdf415157\">Not today, however &#8211; the race will begin with an Individual Time Trial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While there is a small rise for the first few kilometres of the course, the rest is either downhill or flat before a minor uphill to the finish, meaning this is a chance for the more powerful GC contenders to gain an early advantage in the race for overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:20:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:20:43.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab3ecd58-94c1-4c60-b2ac-648b619c80da\">The first rider, Georg Zimmermann, will set off in about ten minutes, at 14:20 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:23:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:23:06.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-038bdb1f-737f-48ff-8e69-9ea973f30ff9\">Here&#8217;s the full of start times, with home favourite Mikel Landa last off at 17:23 local time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:28:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:28:08.416Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8997d9-42e0-4c0a-a76c-0a477799a0c9\">As for the biggest names &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is off nice and early, at 14:46, the much-hyped Paul Seixas at 15:29, and top GC contenders Juan Ayuso will be 17:15, and Isaac del Toro 17:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:31:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:31:39.420Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18d09f43-9c4e-4ea7-9306-796476955e76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off! Georg Zimmermann rolls off the start ramp to get this time trial opening of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:34:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:34:59.919Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced9239-e5e9-4c2b-8ab9-eb72d414251e\">The riders are setting off at one minute intervals, until the final 21 riders, between him will be two minutes each.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:37:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:37:09.623Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6bc0746-825a-4396-9dab-21b54d3d4f13\">We won\u2019t have to wait long until a first big name. Ion Izagirre will be the eighth rider to start, a former winner of this race from 2019, and in fine form having only just won the GP Miguel Indurain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:40:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:40:12.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2eeaccbc-e243-4fa6-addf-69e62ace2dd5\">Izagirre is off now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:42:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:42:50.125Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1e8c190-3ac8-45a0-8a42-a53266360d1e\">There are two intermediate points on the route today &#8211; the first at the top of the climb, the Alto Santo Domingo, that comes just a few kilometres into the route, and the second just a few kilometres later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:45:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:45:07.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40babf1a-9bbb-4245-bba6-15b45fd9475c\">Young Markel Beloki is the early pace-setter at the second check, posting a time of 7:53, 6 seconds quicker than Filippo Fiorelli, and 7 seconds quicker than Iker Mintegi, who&#8217;s time was quickest at the first check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:46:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:46:34.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4f32b17-ef80-4bdf-bbd4-50cda9fad918\">It\u2019s a hot day in Bilbao today, with temperatures nearly 30 degrees. There\u2019s no sign the results will be shaped by varying weather conditions, with no threat of rain falling at any point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:47:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:47:39.906Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f4e9a16-f2e4-4462-9f6a-7bfda62556c1\">Here goes Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d! The two-time former winner of this race will want a big time today to prove his credentials as a GC contender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:48:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:48:59.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2e9ffe0-a5ff-4974-ab0f-8d5c28c2a9bc\">Ion Izagirre is through the first two checks, and isn\u2019t going as fast as expected. He\u2019s only fourth fastest at the second, 10 seconds down on Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:53:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:53:45.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfdcc826-4708-412c-add7-7e751d76277a\">Rogli\u010d was one of the men we picked out as the top contenders for overall victory this week. Have a full read of our analysis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:54:48.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4384a966-0c88-475f-a25c-bb65e0829bd9\">As expected, Rogli\u010d is posts a new best time at the first check, a whole 7 seconds faster than Mintegi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:55:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:55:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a72681-32ed-4d89-af2b-9ef23cd67410\">And Rogli\u010d has increased his advantage at the second time check, 12 seconds faster than the former leader Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:58:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:58:15.179Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-ion-izagirre\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; ION IZAGIRRE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0ce6d98d-bd50-4760-8825-cea00d46d9a4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first few riders have finished &#8211; and Ion Izagirre is quickest among them! He sped up in the final part of the course significantly, to complete it in a time of 18:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:00:01.923Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce48723f-eab9-4837-86b3-69f6061df0d0\">The big names are starting to come thick and fast already. The in-form Tobias Halland Johannessen has started his ride, as has Irish star Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:01:14.484Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4e9e6c-5c05-41ae-8e78-ee10d6729560\">Johannessen is looking very good &#8211; he&#8217;s just bettered Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the first check by one second! Can he keep up this pace?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:02:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:02:27.242Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280fd115-38c5-4221-b8ff-eab39b8c82f7\">Johannessen has slowed a little, and is one second down on Rogli\u010d at the second check. There&#8217;s still plenty of road to be run from there until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:04:38+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:04:38.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd64ac16-4bc9-4549-8257-30b7e99e1151\">Ben Tulett is looking good too, just three seconds off Rogli\u010d at the second check. He\u2019s likely to be be Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s GC leader this week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:05:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:05:55.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280da892-debd-46d4-b6c5-af662e753e55\">Pello Bilbao, who shares a name with the location today, is off on the road. He\u2019s another home favourite but does he still have the legs to compete for overall victory here? Today\u2019s time trial will tell us a lot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:07:02+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:07:02.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-primoz-roglic\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PRIMOZ ROGLIC<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce7d35cf-d1fc-4535-b3ce-7f0112c947d1\">Rogli\u010d has smashed Izagirre&#8217;s time! He&#8217;s a whole 33 seconds quicker at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:08:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:08:31.846Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdb76f4-456b-4dff-9541-80cc963e2de2\">Prior to Rogli\u010d, Beloki was the only rider to come within 20 seconds of Izagirre\u2019s time. The Slovenian is on a whole other level so far &#8211; but how will Johannessen fare?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:11:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:11:27.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6454f91e-28b2-489d-9ef6-bb1b0dd8a811\">Johannessen is climbing the final rise to the finish, will he beat Rogli\u010d?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:12:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:12:08.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c61cc31d-fb00-400a-ba5c-851a3d374374\">No, as he&#8217;s not even close! He lost a lot of time in the second half of the route and finishes 29 seconds down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:13:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:13:26.268Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-47febfdb-a835-41ee-908c-d67a5151fedf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:14:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:14:12.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed834bb0-2603-4e14-b2bd-c27204d57dde\">Tulett also can&#8217;t challenge Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time &#8211; he&#8217;s quicker than Johanessen, but a distant 24 seconds off the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:16:19.730Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-511326a3-961d-4d67-8b84-635c04d19603\">Matthew Riccitello is on a flyer &#8211; he&#8217;s set the new best time at the second check, quicker even than Rogli\u010d, albeit it by one one second.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:17:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:17:57.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d468917-174c-4fd8-893b-4b38e775f80c\">Ben Healy came home 6th fastest, 45 seconds slower than Rogli\u010d. That&#8217;s a hefty chunk already, if he has GC ambitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:18:24+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:18:24.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f06f576f-6dc8-47d1-9f61-149d3d135665\">The current leader at the clubhouse, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-261ef1ac-f2cd-4cfd-b9ec-acead949987b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:20:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:20:27.248Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6482f214-59cc-41de-a85f-e914c5d73ff0\">Bilbao is climbing to the finish, and looking like he&#8217;s finishing strongly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:21:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:21:15.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b461e3f-6414-4e4c-abe9-38c3f8c585f6\">He has indeed, finishing third fastest, 25 seconds slower than the best time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:24:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:24:32.773Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b43cf1a2-b875-490c-949b-e594bcd751a1\">Bauke Mollema was quickest at the first time check, but faded all the way down to 20th at the second It seems he must have targetted the KOM points on offer for the fastest time at the first check, and has since knocked off the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:28:15.477Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-258871ed-4eea-4862-b835-a1f834bf94f0\">Ben Tulett, on his way to the second best time of the day so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5eb3d41b-2e76-49ef-b78e-3aa45bc230aa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:30:10+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:30:10.899Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-46a559e1-6a30-462d-9e8b-5d1158c57fa9\">Riccitello slowed down a lot in the second half of the course, going from quickest at the second check to fifth at the finish, 30 seconds behind Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The long descent and sharp kick to the finish seems to be having a big impact, with both Riccitello and Johannessen losing lots of ground there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:31:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:31:48.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf29ad59-bfb0-406e-b253-d6c981ed463f\">A very interesting moment now &#8211; Paul Seixas rolls off the ramp! The French sensation appears to include time trialling among the many things he can already do to an elite level, having posted the fourth best time at the Volta ao Algarve stage earlier this year. On a hilly course like this, he might be in contention for the stage victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:04.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474276e8-607e-44fb-a17f-a9b7cd7bd983\">Maxime Decomble is climbing to the finish, but must have crashed at some point as there are a couple of nasty tears in his jersey shorts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:39.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7333aba5-5dee-4009-97de-44d421ef9148\">Florian Lipowitz is on the course. How will he compare to his teammate, and potential GC co-leader, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:35:46+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:35:46.554Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfb524ca-7433-4e51-a2ab-62a7e0e0a86e\">Bruno Armirail has just finished very strongly, rising from 10th best at the 2nd check to 2nd best at the finish. But he&#8217;s still 22 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:36:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:36:57.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e09c027-71e8-4a31-ac2f-3cec9a21da17\">Seixas is quickest at the first time check!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:37:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:37:27.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd99fcf2-aaac-4da5-9baf-1be36588e42a\">Lipowitz is also through that first check with a good time, the fifth fastest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:38:19.840Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c0ea715-2556-4004-be1c-dfc129b54356\">Wow! Seixas is on a monster rise. He&#8217;s just smashed the previous best time of Riccitello by a whole 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:39:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:39:26.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c700a1f1-721a-423e-8e53-7c9310acf04d\">That lead has been reduced to 12 seconds by Lipowitz, who has just gone through the second check, but that&#8217;s still a huge lead for the young Frenchman. The question now is whether he can keep this up for the second half of the course.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:40:33.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a99db11-a929-4dd5-ae7a-620001033f5e\">With its long descent and nasty steep finish, this is a hard course to pace yourself for, especially for an inexperienced rider like Seixas. You need to have a lot left in the tank to speed up the final steep gradients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:41:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:41:06.038Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-804fb908-7696-4484-9e35-a4d1c952c5e0\">Alex Baudin has just set the 5th best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:16.697Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-810a967a-80a2-4824-914a-b53b82630fcc\">Armirail, on his way to posting what remains the second fastest time at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1fc7391d-88f4-4305-a6be-c0c11f6bd335\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:55.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-561bf38c-c098-4195-988e-8c58f04eebab\">Antoni Tiberi has just finished, and is way down in 17th. It seems he doesn\u2019t have the form to compete for the overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:08.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-420c55f9-31c0-4091-b6c2-a1e3c04f23a4\">A very good time for Javier Romo, who is second best at the finish. He&#8217;s another one who finished very strongly, actually completing the final part quicker than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:29+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:29.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-538cceed-2f80-423f-a183-906867a967ee\">Here comes Seixas on the final climb &#8211; and he&#8217;s on course to smash the best time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:48:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:48:08.186Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-paul-seixas\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PAUL SEIXAS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18c28898-b3e7-4bff-81e5-1bb3aad065f0\">What an extraorindary ride by Paul Seixas &#8211; he&#8217;s just beaten by Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time by an enormous 28 seconds!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:49:35.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68faf3ec-a13b-4c66-a9a4-64e47477197c\">Now Florian Lipowitz finishes. That&#8217;s also a great ride, enough for third, but it pales in comparison to Seixas&#8217;, which was a whole 33 seconds faster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:50:36+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:50:36.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0faf1b80-4e56-4579-9cf4-7458a1585f34\">Next Mattias Skjelmose finishes, with the fourth best time, 45 seconds off Seixas. He could give Lidl a second GC option, along with their main leader Juan Ayuso.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:00:01.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2de817cc-1641-4919-a7f7-00acfefdd9b0\">A very good ride by Michael Leonard sees him set the fifth best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:01:18.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ab91309-3cd3-4b56-b716-ad8161db04b1\">This has been a front-loaded time trial, with many of the big names having set off already. There\u2019s a little while before the next major contenders get going, but we still have Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso to come. Paul Seixas\u2019s is a very strong-looking time, but he doesn\u2019t have the victory sealed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:07:17.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d119f1f5-c758-4d20-b7fd-062675889425\">Julian Alaphilippe is off. As ever we can anticipate an animated race by the Frenchman, though more likely in the road stages rather than today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:08:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:08:15.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827feeff-476c-4658-add6-b48acee1dc72\">Paul Seixas, the leader in the clubhouse.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-7d1ed1db-25ea-4f26-a9d1-31dc4ae4f8e3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:10:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:10:26.000Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83aa1033-58bf-4a1d-8e44-6b35ed7b00d2\">If Seixas is to win today, it\u2019d be only the third of his career, and a first at World Tour level. The Frenchman is improving at such a rapid rate there\u2019s no telling what he might do this week in the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:16:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:16:54.281Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eb0e9bd8-4354-4e45-b57e-c6648695a41e\">Whatever else happens today, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s remarkable record of having won the time trial stage in all five of the Itzulia Basque Country editions he has competed in during his career has come to an end. The Slovenian still looks strong, but couldn\u2019t compete with the teenager today, in what feels like a passing-of-the-baton moment.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-30da830b-7c7b-4845-a5d0-450fb9cbd0c2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:24:53+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:24:53.531Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85fc5794-4e70-4331-8934-d821930ecf21\">For the first time in a while there\u2019s a rider on the road threatening the best times. Felix Gro\u00dfschartner has gone through the second check with the second best time, slower only than Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:26:42+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:26:42.026Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8eff7ed1-c4bd-47d5-b381-8da24fc21c3e\">Gro\u00dfschartner is riding primarily as a domestique for UAE teammate Juan Ayuso, but can ride a good time trial on his day &#8211; as he&#8217;s showing today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:27:41+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:27:41.836Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0620a167-d7fc-4b78-aa47-20b552aa7f70\">Here are some of the riders coming up later today to look out for start times included (local time):<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Brandon McNulty 16:38<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0620a167-d7fc-4b78-aa47-20b552aa7f70-2\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin 16:47<\/p>\n<p>Juan Ayuo 17:15<\/p>\n<p>Isaac del Toro 17:17<\/p>\n<p>Mikel Landa 17:23<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:29:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:29:59.116Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f9b63d51-7c67-4e75-a97c-0d30885e9194\">While we wait for them to start riding, now would be a good time to digest everything that happened at yesterday\u2019s two Tour of Flanders races. Here\u2019s Sean Kelly\u2019s column on Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s latest exhibition.<\/p>\n<p>Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:33:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:33:35.460Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb11d591-20fb-4021-a5c5-13b2ef201128\">Demi Vollering was a less predictable winner of the women\u2019s race, and her tears upon sealing what was a first ever Tour of Flanders title spoke volumes about what it meant to her.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013 Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:34:20+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:34:20.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f29d06f-de15-4212-abec-02c8aec70505\">Here comes Felix Gro\u00dfschartner towards the finish, and he hasn&#8217;t slowed down! This is going to be a very good time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:34:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:34:45.117Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e37f2f5-e93b-4aee-a04c-11e2f339be55\">Second best time for Gro\u00dfschartner. What a ride! Few would have predicted this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:36:25+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:36:25.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0391e5e6-4f99-4826-a011-3ac8d9b5d50e\">To put that into perspective, Gro\u00dfschartner has just become only the second man in the history of Itzulia Basque Country to defeat Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d in a time trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:37:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:37:28.179Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-94003578-906b-423d-a646-43178627f3ea\">This climb at the finish is taking its toll on riders who don\u2019t pace themselves up it. A Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe had to lie down for some time upon reaching the top, while a team helper sprayed water on him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:38:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:38:04.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-564333dd-652b-4e5a-87c3-6faaeb14a4c0\">Another big time, this time by Ilan Van Wilder. He\u2019s fourth fastest, 29 seconds down!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:38:47+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:38:47.652Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ea678d1-9c85-47de-ad64-2d87dff95c7f\">Van Wilder is a very good time trialist, but that\u2019s still another surprise, albeit not quite so much as Gro\u00dfschartner\u2019s time. Could it be that the wind has changed to a more favourable direction?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:39:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:39:14.843Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dd73378a-259d-4987-8263-353aef121ddb\">If it has, then Brandon McNulty could be about to benefit. The American has just started his ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:43:25+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:43:25.708Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-08d8e9b3-8a46-423a-987d-d2d908446ed4\">The good times at the finish keep coming &#8211; AJ August is the latest, posting the sixth best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:45:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:45:50.474Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae4f5c06-3073-4c71-9ec9-7c18d42188df\">That ride from August would certainly suggest that the wind may well indeed have changed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:46:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:46:43.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83ded64a-e4ea-4d59-a28f-7617a9964c72\">McNulty is looking good, but will have to speed up if he&#8217;s to challenge for the stage win. He&#8217;s fourth at the second time check, a second slower than his UAE teammate Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:47:13+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:47:13.518Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5ac821f5-27f5-4389-ba33-84039633d171\">Seixas at the finish, setting what remains the best time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cdf7bc23-d711-4a05-97b4-c912c92d2398\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:47:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:47:55.015Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca0764bd-59de-44dc-9928-5f62f8cf4a33\">Another big name now is poised at the start &#8211; K\u00e9vin Vauquelin. The Itzulia Basque Country as a whole is a stage race that should really suit him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:50:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:50:45.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-06f32f0c-b721-4a1c-97b3-a25599590167\">Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, setting the second fastest time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2298c775-4297-4aed-a027-05a1175acdf5\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u9XfSiB3LVdaNPpt69aPMn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:55:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:55:04.857Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54c23ac6-ad0b-4e84-a57a-19de2dd1263f\">Vauquelin is through the first time check 5th, five seconds slower than Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:56:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:56:27.247Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8de17246-a0ea-4ed5-a736-b30eea6c1fd0\">McNulty is on the climb, but Seixas s time has alerady gone. That&#8217;s another rival seen off by the French teenager.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:56:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:56:54.423Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74ddaa16-fee6-4e65-9ba8-d80491b81827\">McNulty finishes with the seventh best time. He faded in the second half.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:59:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:59:19.614Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75923e3d-4bd7-4916-b031-3d379ba5b8cd\">Vauquelin is through the second check with the third best time, the same as Gro\u00dfschartner. He&#8217;s in the running for a podium finish at this rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:05:05+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:05:05.996Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fe3198f9-50e5-4c96-9932-cec42452c983\">Vauquelin is on the climb, and is looking good for a podium finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:05:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:05:39.833Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80ba76c8-76bc-4556-aa09-7b5511738873\">Second place for Vauquelin! That&#8217;s good enough for a podium finish for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:08:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:08:07.890Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-840e92b4-522f-41d2-9190-f6f5fe0da8f1\">As impressive as that was from Vauquelin, it\u2019s still a whole 23 seconds slower than Seixas. Even if conditions are more favourable than earlier, it\u2019s going to be difficult even for Ayuso or Del Toro to beat the Frenchman\u2019s time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:12:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:12:31.485Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-327a0af4-6a19-428a-b968-5905ac17809c\">Just five minutes or so until Juan Ayuso starts his ride. He beat Seixas at the Volta ao Algarve time trial &#8211; can he do so again today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:15:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:15:50.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dc79ef23-b2f2-4468-bce3-85426d0d8b1f\">Off goes Juan Ayuso! He&#8217;s got his game face on and sprints off the start ramp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:17:37+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:17:37.784Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d025d82d-d4cb-4dd2-97ca-0b6429797572\">And now Isaac del Toro sets off! So far in his career time trialling has been one of the few areas he hasn\u2019t fully excelled at, but will enjoy the hills in this one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:20:11+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:20:11.295Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c6ffe6b9-028e-47a1-90ff-d5a5d94b349c\">Ayuso and Del Toro are taking on this first climb with different styles, Ayuso sat in the saddle, Del Toro bouncing out of it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:21:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:21:04.157Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fea8cecb-87ad-46ba-88b8-8dbf166dd65e\">Ayuso is getting out of the saddle a few times to generate more power as he nears the top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:22:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:22:35.931Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7afabd51-3343-434d-8921-506b474abc1d\">Ayuso reaches the first check at the top&#8230;and he&#8217;s a long way down! He&#8217;s lost 24 seconds to Seixas already, with 38 riders quicker than him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:23:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:23:12.532Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b38e59b6-81f1-40f3-9d49-4e95815b5c36\">Ayuso did overcook one corner a little, having to adjust his line, but that&#8217;s not enough to explain such a big time loss already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:23:44+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:23:44.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7cac34ae-95d4-4c39-a1a5-60aa92c8b466\">Del Toro is through the first check, and is also off the pace! He&#8217;s 20th fastest at 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:24:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:24:06.313Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e3845d3-f447-468a-8bc6-1937566dba5c\">This is all looking very good for Paul Seixas&#8217;s hopes of sealing the stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:25:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:25:18.680Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5edf21e7-3a56-4305-9dea-00a82b275569\">The last man of the day, Mikel Landa, has set off. All the riders are either out on the road or finished already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:26:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:26:07.534Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a330f30-94d5-4e06-9f86-7717fb989a33\">Meanwhile at the finish, potential GC contender Cian Uijtdebroeks is well down, losing 1:26 as the 46th fastest rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:27:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:27:08.039Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0afd66db-e8b7-490e-9f63-fc7a1fd5e6f4\">Del Toro and Ayuso are through the second check, and have a lot of ground to make up. The former is 21 seconds down, the latter 32 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:27:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:27:48.335Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-24892eb2-567d-4043-a324-8f01e5d68056\">Ayuso is having problems on the descent. He\u2019s not holding back, but has misjudged another corner, having to correct his line once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:30:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:30:39.144Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8f804bf4-d461-4a37-b3fb-0f8133ea6294\">Mikel Landa has made a good start, posting the 8th best time at the first check. Can he keep that up though now he&#8217;s not climbing?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:32:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:32:14.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39cd718f-7d99-4f5b-bf8a-4c813b1947e2\">Landa&#8217;s keeping it up for now, remaining 8th best at the second check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:33:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:33:09.774Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f6f9567c-7c80-45bd-ab58-579aaf7a1329\">Ayuso is nearing the final climb. He&#8217;ll have some ground to make up after that slow start and problems on the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:33:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:33:35.588Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2ce6f32-a15d-4471-921a-962608d6e438\">Ayuso is on the climb now, but is a long way off the best times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:34:21+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:34:21.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-67e96269-3590-4b87-bde5-20c6dadc7337\">Ayuso finishes, well down in 35th at 1:16 . That could already be fatal for his GC chances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:34:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:34:33.943Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2a3b825b-a849-493d-b2cd-e7a69a03fe1d\">Now we wait for Del Toro.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:35:22+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:35:22.595Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e5da9583-e680-4692-b792-c11a00dc101d\">Del Toro&#8217;s climbing&#8230;and he&#8217;s outside of Seixas&#8217;s time already. That will surely be victory for the Frenchman!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:36:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:36:16.093Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c62fe918-56e3-4438-8c4a-1d38cd75dcc8\">13th for Del Toro, at 51 seconds. That&#8217;s not bad for the Mexican, but he would not have wanted to lose quite so much time to his teenage GC rival.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:36:49+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:36:49.330Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad68a65d-b90d-4b5f-b6e4-4f8a1bda43d9\">Only three riders are left to finish, and none of them are going to threaten Seixas&#8217; time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:40:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:40:07.539Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dcfc147b-788a-4ac9-a83a-ec5a18d50626\">Harold Tejada is the penultimate rider to finish, and he&#8217;s done a decent time, finishing 17th. That&#8217;ll keep him up there in GC contention come the hilly road stages later in the week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:41:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:41:19.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0abd1249-75b9-4454-9e6a-77b74bd79875\">And finally here comes Mikel Landa, being cheered up the climb by his Basque home fans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:42:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:42:15.218Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17427423-4196-4104-a0a9-1df78d2d9ea6\">It&#8217;s a good ride, somewhere just outside the top ten.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:43:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:43:09.597Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-wins\"><span>PAUL SEIXAS WINS <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2f8ff063-8439-4f6d-9c76-ca2237b7ea9c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But it&#8217;s not good enough to beat Paul Seixas , who takes a huge time trial victory!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:46:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:46:17.933Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-af620846-1db2-4f3b-b7df-ef64171606d2\">That was an enormous victory for Paul Seixas. The distance of 23 seconds between himself and K\u00e9vin Vauquelin in second place was as big as that between Vauquelin and the man in tenth place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:47:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:47:06.817Z<\/time>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:50:21+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:50:21.993Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7b858e8d-583c-4d0a-9d7d-59b51e241d6c\">Seixas has laid down some marker with that result today. The pressure will now be on the Decathlon team to defend his overall lead from now until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:51:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:51:57.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-983676b9-3718-4aa5-b4c2-bee69ba5750c\">Can K\u00e9vin Vauquelin challenge him? He\u2019s the best poised on GC after this time trial, and is clearly in great form himself, and would have won this stage by four seconds were it not for Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:53:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:53:34.999Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0994bf2c-4bd1-4249-80d1-56751bc64dcf\">Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe have both the numbers and the quality to challenge for GC. They end today with Rogli\u010d in fourth overall at 28 seconds and Lipowitz in sixth overall at 33 seconds. If they work together, they can give Seixas and Decathlon serious headaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:57:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T15:57:09.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5044a2d3-a14d-4700-a40d-76315c0321d0\">The view in Bilbao, featuring the famous Guggenheim museum.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a9af911a-596c-483a-8305-69476b57d48b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KrcdmDzsV8kgoZmWUy3ag8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:01:53+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:01:53.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9c1defb-fcd9-4518-b040-2ea7d0403809\">Not so well placed is Isaac Del Toro, who has a lot of ground to make up already, having lost 51 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, he has two UAE teammates ahead of him on GC in Brandon McNulty and the impressive Felix Gro\u00dfschartner, though once in his favoured terrain of road stages we can expect the Mexican to assert his authority and start going on the attack to try and claw back the time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a7f738c4-0cd2-44dc-8c5f-c34cf86ffac4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viS6sYMsgufnkHaV2TrdXj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:05:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:05:32.358Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-57d6f407-099e-402e-895e-010ccbbc8bc2\">What next for Juan Ayuso? 38th was well lower than he\u2019d usually expect on a time trial like this, and 1:16 is an awful lot of time to make up in a week-long stage race. It may be that he has not fully recovered from the crash that forced him to abandon Paris-Nice last month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">If not, Lidl teammate Skjelmose could take over as GC leader, having today finished 9th at 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2aaef3ef-4ea3-4bdd-ad1b-c6fd687d14d9\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YpQVHr6nkvJ6ZnxtY64evL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:11:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:11:54.791Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84caab64-a4a8-4310-bcd7-66634e064ef6\">Seixas, on his way to the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2d7471bd-ce21-445a-bab5-de6aea953978\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/84xB2aZ9VeJQWio9nLYQm9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T16:16:41+00:00\">2026-04-06T16:16:41.660Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1a0146b5-8be0-47ea-897c-ab5a4e52d033\">Thanks for joining us today, on a stage that will surely be remembered as one of the big breakthroughs in the blossoming career of Paul Seixas. He continues to not just live up to the hype, but exceed it, and proved himself to be a very accomplished time trialist, on top of everything else.<\/p>\n<p>Now, he\u2019ll turn his attention towards defending the yellow jersey, starting with tomorrow\u2019s hilly stage, which features a category one climb towards the end where he could be put under pressure. We\u2019ll have live coverage from start to finish, so be sure to log in again for all the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-465f3d46-5b53-431e-9dbc-85e0f9207286\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz3oAmDeXwM2bAVg4PCg6n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-world-tour-stage-race-begins-with-time-trial\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Itzulia Basque Country As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country A 13.9km time trial to open proceedings Live-reports By Stephen Puddicombe last updated 6 April 2026 0CommentsJoin the conversation When you purchase through links on our site, we may [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1868903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1868903"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868903\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1868903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1868903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1868903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}