{"id":1869409,"date":"2026-04-06T15:49:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T12:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869409"},"modified":"2026-04-06T15:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T12:49:10","slug":"itzulia-basque-country-paul-seixas-pours-on-the-power-to-win-individual-time-trial-opener-and-claim-leaders-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869409","title":{"rendered":"Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article 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 widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\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<h1>Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nRace Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:49:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin second and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner third with slim margin over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, while race favourites Del Toro and Ayuso suffer large time losses<\/p>\n<\/div>\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<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, 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) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM wins stage 1<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 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id=\"elk-928df9b0-f3f2-45ed-a951-516f5c99b5ee\">Talented young French rider Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) took another gigantic step towards the uppermost levels of the sport with a knock-out victory in the opening time trial stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p>One of the earliest starters on a very hilly 13.8-kilometre course through Bilbao, Seixas clinched the first WorldTour victory and the first time trial win of his incipient career with a jaw-dropping 23-second margin on K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers) and a 27-second gap on Felix Gro\u00dfschartner (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-928df9b0-f3f2-45ed-a951-516f5c99b5ee-2\">While former double overall winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) was a promising fourth, 28 seconds back, the Frenchman took a considerable margin over two key contenders, Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), who lost 1:16 and almost all hope of repeating his 2024 GC victory in a considerably below-expectations TT. Meanwhile, the man with two week-long WorldTour stage wins this spring, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was almost equally disappointing 51 seconds back.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was perfectly planned, I think I did the right pacing, the team were really good, we were well-prepared and today all this work paid off,&#8221; Seixas said afterwards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Having claimed a far greater advantage than expected on such a short course, clocking the fastest time on the early ascent of Santo Domingo and again just before the brutally short, steep uphill to the finish, Seixas now goes into the remainder of the race as the rider to beat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Later on in the day, he said, the conditions had changed on the course: &#8220;The wind was a bit stronger, not [to gain] all the 23 seconds. But in a time trial, seconds are precious and to get a win is already perfect, and with this gap it&#8217;s just amazing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The work paid today. I&#8217;m just so happy I&#8217;ve got this gap, it makes me confident about the win. Now I have to wear the [leader&#8217;s] jersey and I am the [overall] favourite, now, but it&#8217;s a pity it&#8217;s only the start of the race and anything can happen, so we have to be careful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-it-unfolded\"><span>How it unfolded<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1a1d7d91-456c-4bc4-9d08-52c3c2afaf64\">\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=\"caption-text\">Team Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe Slovenian Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (L) makes a pass in the stage 1 time trial at the Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ce951c35-12ac-47e9-a89e-97fa80aa3114\">The 17th rider of 154 down the TT ramp on a warm afternoon in Bilbao, Rogli\u010d, given his track record of Itzulia victories, was all but bound to become the main early reference point, setting a time of 17:32 that was clearly ahead of the first starters.<\/p>\n<p>However, Seixas was clearly in stunning form, quickly knocking 10 seconds off Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the summit of Santo Domingo and shooting past minute-man Lorenzo Quartucci (Burgos Burpellet BH) on the long, sweeping descent at speeds touching 80 kph.<\/p>\n<p>Come the final drag to the finish, there might have been some questions about whether Seixas had misjudged his energy outlay. Far from it: instead two-minute man Unai Iribar (Kern Pharma) could only look on aghast as Seixas flew past in the last 200 metres, the French rider roaring home with a time 28 seconds faster than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Volta ao Algarve: Paul Seixas eclipses Juan Ayuso and Jo\u00e3o Almeida atop Alto da F\u00f3ia for stage 2 victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">UAE Tour: Remco Evenepoel takes leader&#8217;s jersey with storming time trial victory on stage 2<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Nearly two decades younger than the Slovenian Champion and just two years after Rogli\u010d&#8217;s last Itzulia TT win, the new generation of stars had truly arrived in the Basque Country with a vengeance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-30772f35-9754-4030-a590-2940cb7c82cf\">\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=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas (left) blasts past two-minute man Unai Iribar and goes on to stop the clock with the best time <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e1260a7d-6ed3-49e6-942e-692ce76102ad\">As the wind began to blow harder, possibly affecting those later starters with a headwind in the finale, for a good hour nobody came anywhere near Seixas time-wise.<\/p>\n<p>That said, Gro\u00dfschartner managed to edge ahead of Rogli\u010d, just a second ahead of the Slovenian, while Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep) finished just a second behind. The combination of the early climb of Santo Domingo and a final 500 metres with ramps of 19%, was viciously difficult to calculate, particularly with the increasingly windy conditions. Even a specialist like Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), well inside the top 10 best-placed on the early part of the course, was unable to get it completely right, nearly misjudging a couple of late corners and finishing 15 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p>Vauquelin came home 23 seconds down on Seixas, a very impressive time, but given the shortness of the TT at just 13 kilometres, there was still a real time chasm between his 19-year-old compatriot and the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>Of the late starters, the real interest then centred in what Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) could achieve, blasting out of the gate but losing a huge amount of time, 23 seconds, by the top of the Santo Domingo climb. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) was closer, 14 seconds down, but still out of the running.<\/p>\n<p>Ayuso then missed out completely on a turn, all but coming off the course at one point, but fought back bravely to try and stay in contention. However, it was too little too late, and the big local hope for the GC battle had to settle for 38th, 1:16 back.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bacc8625-9b95-4dae-b2f1-33f610e48568\">\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\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-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\">Mikel Landa of Soudal QuickStep <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4a75e993-aaa5-4f66-8358-5a930824f784\">The last rider off, local Basque racer Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep) drew by far the bigger cheers from the fans lining the route in increasing numbers. But by then the race was all over bar the shouting, with Seixas well-established to battle for the first overall victory in the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p>Stage 2 is the first major climbing test of many in this year&#8217;s Itzulia Basque Country, running from Pamplona to Lekunberri and with the ultra-difficult Cat. 1 San Miguel de Aralar immediately preceding a long descent and short kick up to the finish. To go by the early evidence, though, and despite his lack of experience, Seixas will prove very hard to dislodge from the top spot overall.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-953bb046-d0c0-4c0b-a7ff-38c67739eaa8\"><em><strong>Results powered by <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>FirstCycling<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\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<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta ao Algarve: Paul Seixas eclipses Juan Ayuso and Jo\u00e3o Almeida atop Alto da F\u00f3ia for stage 2 victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Tour: Remco Evenepoel takes leader&#8217;s jersey with storming time trial victory on stage 2<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Race Results<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">GP Miguel Indurain: Ion Izagirre drops Quinn Simmons to claim his third edition in the last year of his pro career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fNx3SMbuzrU26ecGZH7TPJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">NXT Classic: Tibor del Grosso wins a tense two-up sprint to take a first win of the year <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, 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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<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article 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 widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\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<h1>Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nRace Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:49:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin second and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner third with slim margin over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, while race favourites Del Toro and Ayuso suffer large time losses<\/p>\n<\/div>\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 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, 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) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM wins stage 1<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 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id=\"elk-928df9b0-f3f2-45ed-a951-516f5c99b5ee\">Talented young French rider Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) took another gigantic step towards the uppermost levels of the sport with a knock-out victory in the opening time trial stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p>One of the earliest starters on a very hilly 13.8-kilometre course through Bilbao, Seixas clinched the first WorldTour victory and the first time trial win of his incipient career with a jaw-dropping 23-second margin on K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers) and a 27-second gap on Felix Gro\u00dfschartner (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-928df9b0-f3f2-45ed-a951-516f5c99b5ee-2\">While former double overall winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) was a promising fourth, 28 seconds back, the Frenchman took a considerable margin over two key contenders, Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), who lost 1:16 and almost all hope of repeating his 2024 GC victory in a considerably below-expectations TT. Meanwhile, the man with two week-long WorldTour stage wins this spring, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was almost equally disappointing 51 seconds back.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was perfectly planned, I think I did the right pacing, the team were really good, we were well-prepared and today all this work paid off,&#8221; Seixas said afterwards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Having claimed a far greater advantage than expected on such a short course, clocking the fastest time on the early ascent of Santo Domingo and again just before the brutally short, steep uphill to the finish, Seixas now goes into the remainder of the race as the rider to beat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Later on in the day, he said, the conditions had changed on the course: &#8220;The wind was a bit stronger, not [to gain] all the 23 seconds. But in a time trial, seconds are precious and to get a win is already perfect, and with this gap it&#8217;s just amazing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The work paid today. I&#8217;m just so happy I&#8217;ve got this gap, it makes me confident about the win. Now I have to wear the [leader&#8217;s] jersey and I am the [overall] favourite, now, but it&#8217;s a pity it&#8217;s only the start of the race and anything can happen, so we have to be careful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-it-unfolded\"><span>How it unfolded<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1a1d7d91-456c-4bc4-9d08-52c3c2afaf64\">\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=\"caption-text\">Team Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe Slovenian Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (L) makes a pass in the stage 1 time trial at the Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ce951c35-12ac-47e9-a89e-97fa80aa3114\">The 17th rider of 154 down the TT ramp on a warm afternoon in Bilbao, Rogli\u010d, given his track record of Itzulia victories, was all but bound to become the main early reference point, setting a time of 17:32 that was clearly ahead of the first starters.<\/p>\n<p>However, Seixas was clearly in stunning form, quickly knocking 10 seconds off Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the summit of Santo Domingo and shooting past minute-man Lorenzo Quartucci (Burgos Burpellet BH) on the long, sweeping descent at speeds touching 80 kph.<\/p>\n<p>Come the final drag to the finish, there might have been some questions about whether Seixas had misjudged his energy outlay. Far from it: instead two-minute man Unai Iribar (Kern Pharma) could only look on aghast as Seixas flew past in the last 200 metres, the French rider roaring home with a time 28 seconds faster than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Volta ao Algarve: Paul Seixas eclipses Juan Ayuso and Jo\u00e3o Almeida atop Alto da F\u00f3ia for stage 2 victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">UAE Tour: Remco Evenepoel takes leader&#8217;s jersey with storming time trial victory on stage 2<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Nearly two decades younger than the Slovenian Champion and just two years after Rogli\u010d&#8217;s last Itzulia TT win, the new generation of stars had truly arrived in the Basque Country with a vengeance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-30772f35-9754-4030-a590-2940cb7c82cf\">\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=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas (left) blasts past two-minute man Unai Iribar and goes on to stop the clock with the best time <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e1260a7d-6ed3-49e6-942e-692ce76102ad\">As the wind began to blow harder, possibly affecting those later starters with a headwind in the finale, for a good hour nobody came anywhere near Seixas time-wise.<\/p>\n<p>That said, Gro\u00dfschartner managed to edge ahead of Rogli\u010d, just a second ahead of the Slovenian, while Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep) finished just a second behind. The combination of the early climb of Santo Domingo and a final 500 metres with ramps of 19%, was viciously difficult to calculate, particularly with the increasingly windy conditions. Even a specialist like Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), well inside the top 10 best-placed on the early part of the course, was unable to get it completely right, nearly misjudging a couple of late corners and finishing 15 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p>Vauquelin came home 23 seconds down on Seixas, a very impressive time, but given the shortness of the TT at just 13 kilometres, there was still a real time chasm between his 19-year-old compatriot and the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>Of the late starters, the real interest then centred in what Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) could achieve, blasting out of the gate but losing a huge amount of time, 23 seconds, by the top of the Santo Domingo climb. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) was closer, 14 seconds down, but still out of the running.<\/p>\n<p>Ayuso then missed out completely on a turn, all but coming off the course at one point, but fought back bravely to try and stay in contention. However, it was too little too late, and the big local hope for the GC battle had to settle for 38th, 1:16 back.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bacc8625-9b95-4dae-b2f1-33f610e48568\">\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\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-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\">Mikel Landa of Soudal QuickStep <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4a75e993-aaa5-4f66-8358-5a930824f784\">The last rider off, local Basque racer Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep) drew by far the bigger cheers from the fans lining the route in increasing numbers. But by then the race was all over bar the shouting, with Seixas well-established to battle for the first overall victory in the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p>Stage 2 is the first major climbing test of many in this year&#8217;s Itzulia Basque Country, running from Pamplona to Lekunberri and with the ultra-difficult Cat. 1 San Miguel de Aralar immediately preceding a long descent and short kick up to the finish. To go by the early evidence, though, and despite his lack of experience, Seixas will prove very hard to dislodge from the top spot overall.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-953bb046-d0c0-4c0b-a7ff-38c67739eaa8\"><em><strong>Results powered by <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>FirstCycling<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\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<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta ao Algarve: Paul Seixas eclipses Juan Ayuso and Jo\u00e3o Almeida atop Alto da F\u00f3ia for stage 2 victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Tour: Remco Evenepoel takes leader&#8217;s jersey with storming time trial victory on stage 2<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Race Results<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3XGwPPwmVshszv733ZKf7f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders: Indomitable Tadej Poga\u010dar solos to repeat victory after Oude Kwaremont attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Uy5RKsgFE6Q5Q9PLMKP9C6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">GP Miguel Indurain: Ion Izagirre drops Quinn Simmons to claim his third edition in the last year of his pro career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" 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class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">NXT Classic: Tibor del Grosso wins a tense two-up sprint to take a first win of the year <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZC3seKge8ZbR7w8B5VDYM8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Classic Velox Ad\u00e9lie de Vitr\u00e9: First professional victory for Marc Brustenga as first rider across the line relegated following deviation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span 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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 class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\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<h1>Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nRace Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T15:49:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin second and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner third with slim margin over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, while race favourites Del Toro and Ayuso suffer large time losses<\/p>\n<\/div>\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. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-928df9b0-f3f2-45ed-a951-516f5c99b5ee\">Talented young French rider Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) took another gigantic step towards the uppermost levels of the sport with a knock-out victory in the opening time trial stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p>One of the earliest starters on a very hilly 13.8-kilometre course through Bilbao, Seixas clinched the first WorldTour victory and the first time trial win of his incipient career with a jaw-dropping 23-second margin on K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers) and a 27-second gap on Felix Gro\u00dfschartner (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-928df9b0-f3f2-45ed-a951-516f5c99b5ee-2\">While former double overall winner Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) was a promising fourth, 28 seconds back, the Frenchman took a considerable margin over two key contenders, Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), who lost 1:16 and almost all hope of repeating his 2024 GC victory in a considerably below-expectations TT. Meanwhile, the man with two week-long WorldTour stage wins this spring, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was almost equally disappointing 51 seconds back.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNHzev7FhoZU9K3Qxj8bES-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was perfectly planned, I think I did the right pacing, the team were really good, we were well-prepared and today all this work paid off,&#8221; Seixas said afterwards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Having claimed a far greater advantage than expected on such a short course, clocking the fastest time on the early ascent of Santo Domingo and again just before the brutally short, steep uphill to the finish, Seixas now goes into the remainder of the race as the rider to beat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Later on in the day, he said, the conditions had changed on the course: &#8220;The wind was a bit stronger, not [to gain] all the 23 seconds. But in a time trial, seconds are precious and to get a win is already perfect, and with this gap it&#8217;s just amazing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The work paid today. I&#8217;m just so happy I&#8217;ve got this gap, it makes me confident about the win. Now I have to wear the [leader&#8217;s] jersey and I am the [overall] favourite, now, but it&#8217;s a pity it&#8217;s only the start of the race and anything can happen, so we have to be careful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-tCwUwM82Q4KqjcyawPfMab slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-it-unfolded\"><span>How it unfolded<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1a1d7d91-456c-4bc4-9d08-52c3c2afaf64\">\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=\"caption-text\">Team Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe Slovenian Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (L) makes a pass in the stage 1 time trial at the Itzulia Basque Country <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-ce951c35-12ac-47e9-a89e-97fa80aa3114\">The 17th rider of 154 down the TT ramp on a warm afternoon in Bilbao, Rogli\u010d, given his track record of Itzulia victories, was all but bound to become the main early reference point, setting a time of 17:32 that was clearly ahead of the first starters.<\/p>\n<p>However, Seixas was clearly in stunning form, quickly knocking 10 seconds off Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the summit of Santo Domingo and shooting past minute-man Lorenzo Quartucci (Burgos Burpellet BH) on the long, sweeping descent at speeds touching 80 kph.<\/p>\n<p>Come the final drag to the finish, there might have been some questions about whether Seixas had misjudged his energy outlay. Far from it: instead two-minute man Unai Iribar (Kern Pharma) could only look on aghast as Seixas flew past in the last 200 metres, the French rider roaring home with a time 28 seconds faster than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JZpg6X3WyNAXvaFZ3FsWWc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Volta ao Algarve: Paul Seixas eclipses Juan Ayuso and Jo\u00e3o Almeida atop Alto da F\u00f3ia for stage 2 victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sTrqhjrqYGqjJWisN2hAZE-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">UAE Tour: Remco Evenepoel takes leader&#8217;s jersey with storming time trial victory on stage 2<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Nearly two decades younger than the Slovenian Champion and just two years after Rogli\u010d&#8217;s last Itzulia TT win, the new generation of stars had truly arrived in the Basque Country with a vengeance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-30772f35-9754-4030-a590-2940cb7c82cf\">\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=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas (left) blasts past two-minute man Unai Iribar and goes on to stop the clock with the best time <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e1260a7d-6ed3-49e6-942e-692ce76102ad\">As the wind began to blow harder, possibly affecting those later starters with a headwind in the finale, for a good hour nobody came anywhere near Seixas time-wise.<\/p>\n<p>That said, Gro\u00dfschartner managed to edge ahead of Rogli\u010d, just a second ahead of the Slovenian, while Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-QuickStep) finished just a second behind. The combination of the early climb of Santo Domingo and a final 500 metres with ramps of 19%, was viciously difficult to calculate, particularly with the increasingly windy conditions. Even a specialist like Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), well inside the top 10 best-placed on the early part of the course, was unable to get it completely right, nearly misjudging a couple of late corners and finishing 15 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p>Vauquelin came home 23 seconds down on Seixas, a very impressive time, but given the shortness of the TT at just 13 kilometres, there was still a real time chasm between his 19-year-old compatriot and the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>Of the late starters, the real interest then centred in what Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) could achieve, blasting out of the gate but losing a huge amount of time, 23 seconds, by the top of the Santo Domingo climb. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) was closer, 14 seconds down, but still out of the running.<\/p>\n<p>Ayuso then missed out completely on a turn, all but coming off the course at one point, but fought back bravely to try and stay in contention. However, it was too little too late, and the big local hope for the GC battle had to settle for 38th, 1:16 back.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bacc8625-9b95-4dae-b2f1-33f610e48568\">\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\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8SpjvhBD4RTcHaeuGVTWYa-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\">Mikel Landa of Soudal QuickStep <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4a75e993-aaa5-4f66-8358-5a930824f784\">The last rider off, local Basque racer Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep) drew by far the bigger cheers from the fans lining the route in increasing numbers. But by then the race was all over bar the shouting, with Seixas well-established to battle for the first overall victory in the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p>Stage 2 is the first major climbing test of many in this year&#8217;s Itzulia Basque Country, running from Pamplona to Lekunberri and with the ultra-difficult Cat. 1 San Miguel de Aralar immediately preceding a long descent and short kick up to the finish. To go by the early evidence, though, and despite his lack of experience, Seixas will prove very hard to dislodge from the top spot overall.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-results\"><span>Results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-953bb046-d0c0-4c0b-a7ff-38c67739eaa8\"><em><strong>Results powered by <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>FirstCycling<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/itzulia-basque-country-paul-seixas-pours-on-the-power-to-win-individual-time-trial-opener-and-claim-leaders-jersey\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Itzulia Basque Country Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey Race Results By Alasdair Fotheringham published 6 April 2026 K\u00e9vin Vauquelin second and Felix Gro\u00dfschartner third with slim margin over Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d, while race favourites Del [&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-1869409","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\/1869409","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=1869409"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1869409\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1869409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1869409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1869409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}