{"id":1872199,"date":"2026-04-08T11:10:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872199"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:10:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:10:38","slug":"itzulia-basque-country-stage-3-live-16-man-break-up-the-road-and-isaac-del-toro-abandons-on-hilly-third-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872199","title":{"rendered":"Itzulia Basque Country stage 3 LIVE: 16-man break up the road and Isaac del Toro abandons on hilly third day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nlive-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nItzulia Basque Country\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">Itzulia Basque Country stage 3 LIVE: 16-man break up the road and Isaac del Toro abandons on hilly third day<\/h1>\n<h2>One for the hardy sprinters on a 152.8km loop around Basauri<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:47:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-3-live-paul-seixas-defends-yellow-on-punchy-day-in-the-basque-country\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Race Situation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>OFFICIAL START<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>140KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>130KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>110KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>100KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>90KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>80KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>DNF &#8211; ISAAC DEL TORO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>70KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>60KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>50KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>40KM TO GO<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<p id=\"elk-ea84c86d-9b21-4bab-b494-c4ed2cca2edc\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-54859928-af13-4e27-be53-070dc50c7cb1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage 3 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Itzulia Basque Country)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ffba19d0-449c-4e39-b09c-31c998a8e768-0\">&#8211; Sixteen riders lead the race in the day&#8217;s break: Axel Laurance, Ilan Van Wilder, Tobias Halland Johannessen, Lorenzo Fortunato, Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Jardi Christiaan van der Lee, James Shaw, Joan Bou, Matthew Dinham, Reuben Thompson, Natnael Tesfatsion, Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez, Igor Arrieta, Jonathan Lastra and Mikel Bizkarra.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Isaac del Toro abandons<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:47:17+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:47:17.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c92e36cb-ccaf-4cdc-82af-845de7e945dc\">That pair lead the race as they climb up the final classified climb of the day, which averages 56% for 2km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:46:01+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:46:01.980Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c35c0b90-6142-4b25-aa87-bce475d1f87b\">Laurance and Arrieta have clipped off the front of the lead group, and now lead the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:45:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:45:09.144Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad071fd-0695-4b0c-9bb7-72cbd7313668\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:43:36+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:43:36.581Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fea08fc4-149e-4f64-9dc9-e307cbc969af\">A Decathlon teammate leads Seixas over the top of the climb, about 1:30 after the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:41:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:41:50.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0ae924c-69b0-46ed-8a63-018723529467\">Arrieta took 6 riders with him over the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:41:04+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:41:04.529Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e3a34f0-d1ea-43f6-a266-65c6df4697d2\">Arrieta leads the break as they near the top, and is dropping a few of his companions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:39:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:39:57.440Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a824910d-2b40-417e-9560-f6c362785a9e\">Not among them is Dinham, who was dropped and is being caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:39:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:39:32.412Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a902017-2db5-47f5-8e68-d3791539c6b2\">Most of the break has come back together now, as they reach the last kilometre of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:38:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:38:25.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c14496a4-b7f8-47a5-8a39-3e498c1679cc\">Four or five more riders are coming up to the leading four.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:38:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:38:00.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d5912aa0-38ee-4a50-9dad-ab599ae0e2ee\">Ayuso has been dropped out of the peloton. He&#8217;s struggling yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:36:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:36:47.871Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7bbd8cfa-e20b-4558-b4b9-c122b6a46472\">Van der Lee has company &#8211; he&#8217;s been joined by Fortunato, Arrieta and Johannessen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:36:15+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:36:15.750Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a4592352-f14a-4e64-9366-bd6fc0e5bb0c\">Tudor Pro Cycling become the first team in the peloton to up the pace on this climb and ride at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:34:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:34:32.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-902ebfe8-9bbd-4407-9a53-d55586e5f7c5\">No team in the peloton is laying it down on this climb, and so the break&#8217;s lead is growing, back up to over two minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:33:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:33:56.815Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad434c39-7502-44d7-9098-3d9b1f191d22\">That five second lead doesn&#8217;t look as big as it is, foreshortened as they hit the steep 9% gradients of the final kilometres of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:33:15+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:33:15.441Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d1aebb5-b138-4786-95f1-3bd8238ccdf2\">He has a lead of five seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:32:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:32:47.538Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bee3a803-3cd8-4cd4-a9ff-4fc208c599ae\">The break is on the climb, and we have a first attack! Van der Lee has gone clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:31:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:31:37.445Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed3d4093-80d3-4c73-b506-cd4e1715bbd9\">It\u2019s no longer just Cofidis who are pulling at the front of the peloton. Lots of teams are up there, in a bunch all spread out as they ride up the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:29:30+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:29:30.862Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e14ec77-4a8b-4e23-aa61-c5b29c485013\">Cofidis leading the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-392498da-bf3b-4900-9014-911535535e20\">\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\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:27:11+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:27:11.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7ec528-b220-4a88-9930-d8f429457a6c\">The stronger climbers in the breakaway will surely use this climb to try to thin out this group. Look out for Fortunato, Van Wilder, Johannessen and Martin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:25:39+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:25:39.456Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-79d762fb-b512-466f-8328-1b1a0b4cfcac\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1:20 is the gap between the peloton and the break, with 40km to go. This race is set to ignite soon on Alto de Bikotz, coming up in just a few kilometres, which kicks up to a nasty gradient of almost 9% for its final 3km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:20:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:20:57.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f7cd29d1-94da-4f3d-92c1-84ba930c3a88\">\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\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:19:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:19:12.272Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8171a684-e352-41bb-9b05-1ea426fb933d\">Still the break&#8217;s lead comes slowly down. It&#8217;s now at 1:20, as they make their way down a shallow descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:18:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:18:35.970Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c685e66-b37d-4bda-9a73-fee6165fb89d\">The men&#8217;s Scheldeprijs is nearing its business end. We&#8217;re bringing you all the action here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Men LIVE: The sprinters&#8217; teams prepare for a high-speed sprint showdown in Schoten<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:14:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:14:50.550Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6f36bb81-1ad9-4121-a3a0-9d71a3e7196e\">The breakaway leading the race.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-358bb43a-1188-4284-a692-3a87d42b05d1\">\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\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:13:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:13:21.509Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c2221882-1d9e-450a-833c-eb7c9646c953\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Cofidis are slowly but surely dragging the break back. They have them back to within 1:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:06:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:06:21.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e4f6f40c-b9a3-4821-860d-cc5b514b5e4d\">\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\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:03:10+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:03:10.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2eb1a020-f10b-4bdf-8bb2-10f9c03e9327\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Cofidis&#8217; work is helping to bring this gap down a little. It&#8217;s now at 1:45.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:02:30+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:02:30.052Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8353554b-6ae6-43cf-b26f-3592d2560bad\">Seixas still had an issue to sort out, and has changed bikes again. But everything is calm out there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:02:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:02:00.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80a3b299-4238-42fe-a698-1da79b217ec6\">That means the new virtual KOM rankings look like this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Bou 18 points<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80a3b299-4238-42fe-a698-1da79b217ec6-2\">2 Seixas 13<\/p>\n<p>3 Skjelmose 8<\/p>\n<p>4 Baudin 6<\/p>\n<p>5 Mintegi 6<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:00:33+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:00:33.939Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d13b4a11-a549-4195-9e23-b07c801f9282\">On the Alto de los Heros, King of the Mountains leader Bou added to his advanatage by being first over the climb, ahead of Arrieta and Fortunato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:58:26+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:58:26.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1078b17b-b1c2-4883-8a6f-3a41526093ef\">Cofidis have joined Decathlon in setting the pace at the front of the peloton. They are presumably working for Alex Aranburu, who would be one of the favourites if everything is bright back for a sprint finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:55:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:55:47.965Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a5b9994-dbc5-4f10-93a0-6797dd50b9b7\">Seixas is back in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:55:05+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:55:05.471Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-378d30e6-24cb-47f7-9a64-8f5c6a1720ca\">If you missed the women\u2019s Scheldeprijs and want to know what happened, have a read of our race report here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:53:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:53:57.803Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-709ad3dc-61db-4db5-a58c-4f5a5b494434\">Guti\u00e9rrez&#8217;s mission is over, and he&#8217;s caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:53:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:53:12.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef991808-a970-42c3-aee2-0d3c9ca0c381\">He&#8217;s in the convoy having had to have a bike change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:52:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:52:23.147Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48bf9ab7-5cf9-4026-9a4c-56df1701e8a3\">Paul Seixas is with his team car in the convoy having a drink on this descent, looking very relaxed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:49:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:49:32.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b27f6554-2fed-4a3a-ab69-55674708d838\">Two minutes is the break&#8217;s lead over the peloton shortly after they crest the climb, with Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez in between at 1:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:46:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:46:37.103Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-150d9209-5dff-41a9-8e8b-e741210fd01b\">There&#8217;s one other rider still trying to chase on to the break by himself &#8211; Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez of the Equipo Kern Pharma team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:45:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:45:47.841Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c022a20b-31d7-416c-b114-e7af51b16078\">Chapeau to the Euskaltel pair of Lastra and Bizkarra, who managed to join the break before the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:45:02+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:45:02.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7f915e5-7f7f-4038-9958-22c26bd9c9f5\">Decathlon are leading the peloton on the climb, and keeping the gap at about two minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:41:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:41:21.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e20ebbe-d95b-435e-adab-70d2696b94b0\">We&#8217;re learning that other were involved in that crash, too, including Ben Tulett and Alex Baudin, who were sixth and fifth overall respectivley. Nobody else abandoned, thankfully.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:39:39+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:39:39.028Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3f68c0da-45a4-4db8-8d52-a962ca8fe66d\">We have a reason for Del Toro&#8217;s abandon &#8211; he was indeed involved in a crash. It wasn&#8217;t too heavy, and he managed to get back on his feet and ten his bike, but was bad enough for him to pull out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:38:19.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a1643c-4c60-4f28-8c99-f88f105b6c6f\">It seems the timing of 50 seconds was not that between the leaders, but rather between them and the two Euskaltel chasers. The break have a comfortable lead after all, of two minutes on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:37:14+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:37:14.526Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60f80c60-90e7-4558-a70d-3b962073e465\">Two Euskaltel &#8211; Euskadi are in between the break and the peloton &#8211; Mikel Bizkarra and Jonathan Lastra. Rather than lead the peloton&#8217;s chase, they&#8217;re trying to make their own way to the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:35:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:35:47.323Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bb8e3276-415f-4ddf-ae78-33a85bdb74ff\">This climb could be important for the strong climbers in the break to up the pace and increase their lead, even if it means dropping those less fast going uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:35:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:35:13.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-621d83be-8c8d-44f2-83ae-8238039bed06\">The peloton aren\u2019t happy to give this break much leeway after all! They\u2019ve brought the gap down to 50 seconds. This isn\u2019t looking so good for the break after all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:33:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:33:13.574Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d42678b-1dfa-47e0-85f7-40e559f43fc6\">Having been worn down all day by the undulating terrain, the riders are about to take on the first proper climb &#8211; the category two Puerto de la Barrerilla. This one rises for 5km at 6.5%, and the plateau at the top is the highest point of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:29:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:29:07.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8fce3f1-8ad9-46d4-8cb3-9d80a1a3a345\">Del Toro might have been beneath his best in the previous two stages, but he was still decently positioned on GC, in eighth at 2:44.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:27:03+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:27:03.396Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-dnf-isaac-del-toro\"><span>DNF &#8211; ISAAC DEL TORO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d9aa2420-354d-4b5a-bed0-09ac4dd6054a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Some big news &#8211; pre-race favourite Isaac del Toro has abandoned! It&#8217;s unclear whether he was involved in an incident, or just lacking legs \/ fitness, after an under-par day on yesterday&#8217;s mountain stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:25:33+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:25:33.224Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3f487a2b-978e-49dc-8318-34fb614a4acd\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Euskaltel-Euskadi have missed the break, and they&#8217;ve been sent to the front of the bunch, either to amend that, or as punishment. Either way, it seems that the ship has sailed, as the gap is up to 1:40.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:23:48+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:23:48.005Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f0e98d9c-8979-4eac-bdb0-a88ac67912be\">A glimpse of the fight in the peloton earlier, before the break formed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d9628f39-8ed0-4c08-a4b1-b0b481596e17\">\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\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:19:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:19:00.239Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11655252-3b4f-4014-a84d-be887d3782e3\">So, the 14 riders who lead the race are:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Axel Laurance<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11655252-3b4f-4014-a84d-be887d3782e3-2\">Ilan Van Wilder<\/p>\n<p>Tobias Halland Johannessen<\/p>\n<p>Lorenzo Fortunato<\/p>\n<p>Guillaume Martin<\/p>\n<p>Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso<\/p>\n<p>Jardi Christiaan van der Lee<\/p>\n<p>James Shaw<\/p>\n<p>Joan Bou<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Dinham<\/p>\n<p>Reuben Thompson<\/p>\n<p>Natnael Tesfatsion<\/p>\n<p>Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez<\/p>\n<p>Igor Arrieta<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:17:29+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:17:29.603Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c525b499-7a3b-4399-b6b1-bcb69b435cc6\">We&#8217;ll bring you a full list of everone who&#8217;s in this break shortly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:15:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:15:23.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59e98dd0-57a1-4ea9-bd7b-969b50c97e55\">Almost a minute and a half for the group now. It seems the pelotonhas sat up, and, at long last, the stage has its break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:14:46+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:14:46.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-77d388ab-2331-44b4-993b-abf852e2fe2a\">A few riders managed to bridge up to the group, meaning there are a total of 14 in it now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:13:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:13:56.394Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8968a02f-61aa-4909-8cd0-d5f0e1e4a6ad\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Things are looking promising for this 14-man group &#8211; they have a lead of 45 seconds over the peloton, which must be the highest there&#8217;s been all day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:12:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:12:23.220Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f0127c86-0809-4736-81f4-e7dc1bb84d4b\">Johannessen is one of 6 riders in this group under 6 minutes down on GC &#8211; the others being Van Wilder, Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Lorenzo Fortunato and Jardi Christiaan van der Lee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:10:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:10:09.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a208e7c8-ffa4-443b-8ea5-e8136f5c8723\">As is Tobias Halland Johannessen, who would have been a contender for the yellow jersey had he not lost over four minutes yesterday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:08:58+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:08:58.910Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-320a01bc-6439-4ea0-ad41-839ca6a9cacc\">Fortunato and King of the Mountains Bou are in this new lead group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:08:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:08:25.308Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-775e51c4-d26d-48a7-9c63-8a6888b74385\">Van Wilder and Laurance are part of a large group of 15 that&#8217;s gone clear. Will the peloton chase this one down too, or are they at the end of their tether?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:05:43+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:05:43.643Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-062bba01-4797-41d8-bca5-6b0c6f12e031\">Ilan Van Wilder and Axel Laurance are the latest riders to try a move. The latter comes as a bit of a surprise, as he&#8217;d be one of the favourites in a bunch finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:01:45+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:01:45.991Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84d46327-53ba-47ad-a2a8-d1bd86904709\">The parcours really is testing at the moment. They\u2019re currently going up another unclassified climb, which averages 5.8% for 2km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:57:05+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:57:05.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e8f11e4c-3158-4e0e-8424-e72e96258332\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Still the attacks keep coming, but still no break has formed. This has been an exhausting start!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:51:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:51:12.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-169efd7e-3aca-43c9-8ad9-01f5d64d52e3\">The riders are climbing the Alto de los Heros, which, despite its difficult vital stats of a 5.4% average for 3.3km, has not been classified. Parcours at Itzulia Basque Country are always deceptively tricky, with hidden difficulties like this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:45:46.483Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdeb5564-6ddf-4423-9e13-49e6101912b0\">Marc Soler, im typical agressive fashion, was briefly off the front of the race, but has been caught by the front peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:45:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:45:00.205Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60912f53-f63f-4f59-8b33-1efe5c84b70e\">The first and second groups have come together, but the third lags behind still.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:44:31+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:44:31.487Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-882ce8ba-d004-4ef1-aff9-1f7ee4ad690e\">There are more splits in the peloton, which now appears to be in three different groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:40:40+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:40:40.020Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0038ebc6-ce07-4552-b19b-ddf5d266719a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So with the failure of that group to get away, the peloton is all back together again, and still we wait for the definitive break to form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:37:04+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:37:04.818Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4638710a-6327-4c16-99b6-d78a01987da7\">That group has been caught &#8211; it was surely too dangerous to allow up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:36:40+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:36:40.182Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c81d314e-7fe8-4920-aa46-bdae13324b9a\">Ben Healy, Magnus Cort, Quinn Simmons and Steven Kruijswijk are other riders present in this group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:35:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:35:50.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc3f3f65-7839-4e09-8644-9d47fd5d2765\">There are some big names too, including Tejada, who is a threat on GC in tenth overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:35:16+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:35:16.220Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-02a00754-6b19-48e6-a5fd-2010e8da529a\">We have a development &#8211; a large group of eleven riders have joined the two leaders at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:34:10+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:34:10.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5bc5ba7b-89fc-4c2f-ac44-d384fe8f5d92\">There are only 10km left in the women&#8217;s Scheldeprijs. You can follow all the action with us here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: The bunch is together after the day&#8217;s break was caught early on<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:31:02+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:31:02.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-93381bf5-3cf9-4e5e-8d17-ecae90e789e1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Elosegui and Veistroffer are staying out there for now, with a lead of 20 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:25:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:25:08.181Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e28531b-7667-459e-b0ea-29ec0620a203\">The peloton is chasing this one down too, though, their initial lead of 25 seconds having decreased to 15 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:22:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:22:07.502Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-272cfa38-5343-4c4b-bd23-c402dc448336\">I\u00f1igo Elosegui and, yet again, Baptiste Veistroffer have attacked and have a small lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:21:01+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:21:01.153Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c011da70-663e-4af2-abb9-2633b84180cd\">The peloton is all back together again having been split earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:16:19.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fca7e844-db46-4565-bd55-8f09c6c1b856\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Over 20km into the stage, and no break has been formed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:10:28+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:10:28.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a22a3c7-e52a-4efc-8098-c41ab009f5ed\">The race is very much on as attackers try to form a break, and there\u2019s been a split in the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:09:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:09:08.558Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb575e97-5c9c-4968-8c27-0b7173964c60\">It\u2019s another warm day out there in the Basque Country, with a temperature of over 20 degrees. So far this race has not been affected by the kind of rain weather familiar from past editions and that this part of the world is renowned for &#8211; the tourist board must be grateful, not to mention the riders taking part.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:04:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:04:37.285Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8f5e8a8-ae42-4776-a8a5-b1af6de21dbf\">The riders are currently climbing a small unclassified hill, typical of today&#8217;s undulating terrain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:03:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:03:35.791Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1596222b-6469-4767-9f8c-910b39676d66\">And now they&#8217;ve been clawed back &#8211; the race is all together again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:02:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:02:56.615Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e0c4e914-0786-4920-a6ba-eb056fffa87b\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton isn&#8217;t happy to let these three go, and are chasing them down. They have them back to just ten seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:58:48+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:58:48.148Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c8270622-1a85-45a9-8613-4ef8716dadc5\">Veistroffer has joined the other two, and they have 30 seconds on the peloton. This is looking promising for them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:56:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:56:25.293Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7d7a549-f591-4aa9-bbc4-9036f3b40b1f\">Veistroffer is purusuing them, after his initial attempt to go clear failed. He&#8217;s clearly in the mood today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:55:43+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:55:43.060Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd0518a-fde3-42e6-bbc7-ad46d552c833\">Maxime Decomble and the man in the King of the Mountain&#8217;s jersey, Joan Bou, are the latest riders to make a move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:53:54+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:53:54.944Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e26287ca-bca9-4b5c-a14a-2d3fb8bbb86f\">With so many riders no longer a threat on GC, and on a day with parcours that could suit many types of riders, today&#8217;s could be a very competetive fight to get into the day\u2019s break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:52:58+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:52:58.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b41d2da-d12e-4581-9f68-6a64d59ec704\">That duo has been brought back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:51:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:51:07.904Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8d6eac3-96b6-47d6-84d4-613848a11e5a\">Anders Halland Johannessen and Baptiste Veistroffer are on the attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:48:27+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:48:27.894Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-76aefb07-9714-4851-929e-701801a5c3c2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:47:59+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:47:59.970Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0055899-d137-45fa-aacb-0f79359bf167\">A reminder of what happened at yesterday&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas stuns again with victory in the mountains on stage 2 to create huge GC lead<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a7c1f1ae-764a-4f38-a3ca-9c0f88869277\">\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\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:38:55+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:38:55.355Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28b0aa9d-919c-4db7-9d10-89bea30a87dd\">And in the men\u2019s Scheldeprijs, Tim Merlier is back and hoping to seal a third consecutive title, but is up against quality and in-form opposition in Jasper Philipsen and Dylan Groenewegen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Men LIVE: Tim Merlier is back but so are his big-name sprint rivals<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:36:29+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:36:29.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47729b27-2ae9-43f7-8a32-3ddaa2c0075e\">The cycling world is still deep into classics season, and, away from the Basque Country, two more races are happening today &#8211; both of which we have coverage of.<\/p>\n<p>In the women\u2019s Scheldeprijs, many of the world\u2019s sprinters are hoping to capitalise on the absence of Lorena Wiebes to take a big win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47729b27-2ae9-43f7-8a32-3ddaa2c0075e-2\">Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: Can anyone prevent a bunch sprint, or will the fast women take the honours again?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:31:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:31:50.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8dcfca3a-92cb-4f05-ada0-c958a0208bb1\">145 riders who are left in the race are on the move, taking off from the unofficial start. We&#8217;ll have racing soon!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:28:42+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:28:42.325Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c2ff61a3-64b3-476e-b33d-b6e4976ebbc7\">The driver of the vehicle who caused Landa\u2019s crash also won\u2019t be here today, after the UCI commissaires expelled them from the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Driver of Itzulia Basque Country race doctor&#8217;s car expelled from race for causing Mikel Landa stage 2 crash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:25:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:25:35.439Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-490e7176-cd2e-4f98-89dd-d8799cafd633\">Mikel Landa is not here today, having pulled out overnight due to his heavy crash yesterday. Thankfully, his team reported that he did not suffer any fractures or long-term damage, so hopefully it won\u2019t be long before we see him racing again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:23:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:23:08.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1602fa82-72dc-439b-8546-7c679439f1d5\">There might not be a single climb hard enough to draw the GC contenders out, but the total of 2,824m of climbing throughout the day makes it a testing one that many puncheurs might back themselves to go for the stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:19:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:19:13.489Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85637ff0-4291-497f-b87e-68987e76440f\">Paul Seixas leads the race after a jaw-dropping attack on the final climb yesterday, and it\u2019s difficult to see how his rivals are going to gain the two minutes + they need to gain on him.<\/p>\n<p>Having won the first two stages back-to-back, we expect him to take more of a back seat today &#8211; but such is his form that we can\u2019t be sure he\u2019s not hungry for more success.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df268e28-fb26-40c8-b78e-839b8f89cb13\">\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\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:14:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:14:56.467Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-349dc148-d0b4-45b9-9880-7f0c242cc4d8\">After yesterday\u2019s big GC sort-out, today will be a much milder day in terms of parcours. There are still plenty of hills on the menu, however, and though this might be the best chance for a bunch sprint this week, it\u2019s far from guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:11:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:11:09.765Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage three of Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center 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bunch sprint victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero hero-live news-article widget-hero widget-hero-fter-review\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nItzulia Basque Country\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">Itzulia Basque Country stage 3 LIVE: 16-man break up the road and Isaac del Toro abandons on hilly third day<\/h1>\n<h2>One for the hardy sprinters on a 152.8km loop around Basauri<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\" class=\"news-article\">\n<div class=\"header-container\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nItzulia Basque Country\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<header>\n<div class=\"header-sub-container\">\n<h1 class=\"review-title-long live-report\">Itzulia Basque Country stage 3 LIVE: 16-man break up the road and Isaac del Toro abandons on hilly third day<\/h1>\n<h2>One for the hardy sprinters on a 152.8km loop around Basauri<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div class=\"byline\">\nLive-reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Puddicombe <\/span><span><br \/>\nlast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:47:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"socialite-widget box less-space \" data-contexturl=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-3-live-paul-seixas-defends-yellow-on-punchy-day-in-the-basque-country\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"socialite\">\n<ul class=\"socialite-widget-ul\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-facebook\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-twitter\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-pinterest\">\n<li class=\"socialite-widget-item social-email\"><\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit]\"><span>0<\/span><span class=\"visible hidden sm:inline-block\">Comments<\/span><\/span><span class=\"text-[color:--comment-count-text-color,inherit] hidden visible sm:inline-block\">Join the conversation<\/span><\/nav>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<figure>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: \u00a9 Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"pinned-content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-pinned-content widget-contentparsed-pinned-content widget-pinned news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div class=\" article-body \">\n<div class>\n<p id=\"elk-ea84c86d-9b21-4bab-b494-c4ed2cca2edc\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><strong>Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Contenders<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-54859928-af13-4e27-be53-070dc50c7cb1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gybWmadSoEgxVLCUw33WnM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Stage 3 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Itzulia Basque Country)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-race-situation\"><span>Race Situation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ffba19d0-449c-4e39-b09c-31c998a8e768-0\">&#8211; Sixteen riders lead the race in the day&#8217;s break: Axel Laurance, Ilan Van Wilder, Tobias Halland Johannessen, Lorenzo Fortunato, Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Jardi Christiaan van der Lee, James Shaw, Joan Bou, Matthew Dinham, Reuben Thompson, Natnael Tesfatsion, Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez, Igor Arrieta, Jonathan Lastra and Mikel Bizkarra.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Isaac del Toro abandons<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"live-feed-multipage\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-live-feed-multipage widget-contentparsed-live-feed-multipage news-article widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default multipage widget-content-parsed-live-feed \">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:47:17+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:47:17.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c92e36cb-ccaf-4cdc-82af-845de7e945dc\">That pair lead the race as they climb up the final classified climb of the day, which averages 56% for 2km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:46:01+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:46:01.980Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c35c0b90-6142-4b25-aa87-bce475d1f87b\">Laurance and Arrieta have clipped off the front of the lead group, and now lead the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:45:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:45:09.144Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad071fd-0695-4b0c-9bb7-72cbd7313668\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:43:36+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:43:36.581Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fea08fc4-149e-4f64-9dc9-e307cbc969af\">A Decathlon teammate leads Seixas over the top of the climb, about 1:30 after the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:41:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:41:50.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0ae924c-69b0-46ed-8a63-018723529467\">Arrieta took 6 riders with him over the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:41:04+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:41:04.529Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e3a34f0-d1ea-43f6-a266-65c6df4697d2\">Arrieta leads the break as they near the top, and is dropping a few of his companions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:39:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:39:57.440Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a824910d-2b40-417e-9560-f6c362785a9e\">Not among them is Dinham, who was dropped and is being caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:39:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:39:32.412Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a902017-2db5-47f5-8e68-d3791539c6b2\">Most of the break has come back together now, as they reach the last kilometre of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:38:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:38:25.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c14496a4-b7f8-47a5-8a39-3e498c1679cc\">Four or five more riders are coming up to the leading four.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:38:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:38:00.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d5912aa0-38ee-4a50-9dad-ab599ae0e2ee\">Ayuso has been dropped out of the peloton. He&#8217;s struggling yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:36:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:36:47.871Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7bbd8cfa-e20b-4558-b4b9-c122b6a46472\">Van der Lee has company &#8211; he&#8217;s been joined by Fortunato, Arrieta and Johannessen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:36:15+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:36:15.750Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a4592352-f14a-4e64-9366-bd6fc0e5bb0c\">Tudor Pro Cycling become the first team in the peloton to up the pace on this climb and ride at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:34:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:34:32.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-902ebfe8-9bbd-4407-9a53-d55586e5f7c5\">No team in the peloton is laying it down on this climb, and so the break&#8217;s lead is growing, back up to over two minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:33:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:33:56.815Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad434c39-7502-44d7-9098-3d9b1f191d22\">That five second lead doesn&#8217;t look as big as it is, foreshortened as they hit the steep 9% gradients of the final kilometres of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:33:15+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:33:15.441Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d1aebb5-b138-4786-95f1-3bd8238ccdf2\">He has a lead of five seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:32:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:32:47.538Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bee3a803-3cd8-4cd4-a9ff-4fc208c599ae\">The break is on the climb, and we have a first attack! Van der Lee has gone clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:31:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:31:37.445Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed3d4093-80d3-4c73-b506-cd4e1715bbd9\">It\u2019s no longer just Cofidis who are pulling at the front of the peloton. Lots of teams are up there, in a bunch all spread out as they ride up the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:29:30+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:29:30.862Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e14ec77-4a8b-4e23-aa61-c5b29c485013\">Cofidis leading the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-392498da-bf3b-4900-9014-911535535e20\">\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\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:27:11+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:27:11.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7ec528-b220-4a88-9930-d8f429457a6c\">The stronger climbers in the breakaway will surely use this climb to try to thin out this group. Look out for Fortunato, Van Wilder, Johannessen and Martin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:25:39+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:25:39.456Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-79d762fb-b512-466f-8328-1b1a0b4cfcac\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1:20 is the gap between the peloton and the break, with 40km to go. This race is set to ignite soon on Alto de Bikotz, coming up in just a few kilometres, which kicks up to a nasty gradient of almost 9% for its final 3km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:20:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:20:57.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f7cd29d1-94da-4f3d-92c1-84ba930c3a88\">\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\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:19:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:19:12.272Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8171a684-e352-41bb-9b05-1ea426fb933d\">Still the break&#8217;s lead comes slowly down. It&#8217;s now at 1:20, as they make their way down a shallow descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:18:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:18:35.970Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c685e66-b37d-4bda-9a73-fee6165fb89d\">The men&#8217;s Scheldeprijs is nearing its business end. We&#8217;re bringing you all the action here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Men LIVE: The sprinters&#8217; teams prepare for a high-speed sprint showdown in Schoten<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:14:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:14:50.550Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6f36bb81-1ad9-4121-a3a0-9d71a3e7196e\">The breakaway leading the race.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-358bb43a-1188-4284-a692-3a87d42b05d1\">\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\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:13:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:13:21.509Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c2221882-1d9e-450a-833c-eb7c9646c953\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Cofidis are slowly but surely dragging the break back. They have them back to within 1:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:06:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:06:21.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e4f6f40c-b9a3-4821-860d-cc5b514b5e4d\">\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\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:03:10+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:03:10.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2eb1a020-f10b-4bdf-8bb2-10f9c03e9327\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Cofidis&#8217; work is helping to bring this gap down a little. It&#8217;s now at 1:45.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:02:30+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:02:30.052Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8353554b-6ae6-43cf-b26f-3592d2560bad\">Seixas still had an issue to sort out, and has changed bikes again. But everything is calm out there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:02:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:02:00.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80a3b299-4238-42fe-a698-1da79b217ec6\">That means the new virtual KOM rankings look like this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Bou 18 points<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80a3b299-4238-42fe-a698-1da79b217ec6-2\">2 Seixas 13<\/p>\n<p>3 Skjelmose 8<\/p>\n<p>4 Baudin 6<\/p>\n<p>5 Mintegi 6<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:00:33+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:00:33.939Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d13b4a11-a549-4195-9e23-b07c801f9282\">On the Alto de los Heros, King of the Mountains leader Bou added to his advanatage by being first over the climb, ahead of Arrieta and Fortunato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:58:26+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:58:26.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1078b17b-b1c2-4883-8a6f-3a41526093ef\">Cofidis have joined Decathlon in setting the pace at the front of the peloton. They are presumably working for Alex Aranburu, who would be one of the favourites if everything is bright back for a sprint finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:55:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:55:47.965Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a5b9994-dbc5-4f10-93a0-6797dd50b9b7\">Seixas is back in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:55:05+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:55:05.471Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-378d30e6-24cb-47f7-9a64-8f5c6a1720ca\">If you missed the women\u2019s Scheldeprijs and want to know what happened, have a read of our race report here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:53:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:53:57.803Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-709ad3dc-61db-4db5-a58c-4f5a5b494434\">Guti\u00e9rrez&#8217;s mission is over, and he&#8217;s caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:53:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:53:12.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef991808-a970-42c3-aee2-0d3c9ca0c381\">He&#8217;s in the convoy having had to have a bike change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:52:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:52:23.147Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48bf9ab7-5cf9-4026-9a4c-56df1701e8a3\">Paul Seixas is with his team car in the convoy having a drink on this descent, looking very relaxed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:49:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:49:32.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b27f6554-2fed-4a3a-ab69-55674708d838\">Two minutes is the break&#8217;s lead over the peloton shortly after they crest the climb, with Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez in between at 1:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:46:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:46:37.103Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-150d9209-5dff-41a9-8e8b-e741210fd01b\">There&#8217;s one other rider still trying to chase on to the break by himself &#8211; Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez of the Equipo Kern Pharma team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:45:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:45:47.841Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c022a20b-31d7-416c-b114-e7af51b16078\">Chapeau to the Euskaltel pair of Lastra and Bizkarra, who managed to join the break before the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:45:02+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:45:02.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7f915e5-7f7f-4038-9958-22c26bd9c9f5\">Decathlon are leading the peloton on the climb, and keeping the gap at about two minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:41:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:41:21.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e20ebbe-d95b-435e-adab-70d2696b94b0\">We&#8217;re learning that other were involved in that crash, too, including Ben Tulett and Alex Baudin, who were sixth and fifth overall respectivley. Nobody else abandoned, thankfully.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:39:39+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:39:39.028Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3f68c0da-45a4-4db8-8d52-a962ca8fe66d\">We have a reason for Del Toro&#8217;s abandon &#8211; he was indeed involved in a crash. It wasn&#8217;t too heavy, and he managed to get back on his feet and ten his bike, but was bad enough for him to pull out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:38:19.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a1643c-4c60-4f28-8c99-f88f105b6c6f\">It seems the timing of 50 seconds was not that between the leaders, but rather between them and the two Euskaltel chasers. The break have a comfortable lead after all, of two minutes on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:37:14+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:37:14.526Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60f80c60-90e7-4558-a70d-3b962073e465\">Two Euskaltel &#8211; Euskadi are in between the break and the peloton &#8211; Mikel Bizkarra and Jonathan Lastra. Rather than lead the peloton&#8217;s chase, they&#8217;re trying to make their own way to the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:35:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:35:47.323Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bb8e3276-415f-4ddf-ae78-33a85bdb74ff\">This climb could be important for the strong climbers in the break to up the pace and increase their lead, even if it means dropping those less fast going uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:35:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:35:13.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-621d83be-8c8d-44f2-83ae-8238039bed06\">The peloton aren\u2019t happy to give this break much leeway after all! They\u2019ve brought the gap down to 50 seconds. This isn\u2019t looking so good for the break after all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:33:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:33:13.574Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d42678b-1dfa-47e0-85f7-40e559f43fc6\">Having been worn down all day by the undulating terrain, the riders are about to take on the first proper climb &#8211; the category two Puerto de la Barrerilla. This one rises for 5km at 6.5%, and the plateau at the top is the highest point of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:29:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:29:07.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8fce3f1-8ad9-46d4-8cb3-9d80a1a3a345\">Del Toro might have been beneath his best in the previous two stages, but he was still decently positioned on GC, in eighth at 2:44.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:27:03+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:27:03.396Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-dnf-isaac-del-toro\"><span>DNF &#8211; ISAAC DEL TORO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d9aa2420-354d-4b5a-bed0-09ac4dd6054a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Some big news &#8211; pre-race favourite Isaac del Toro has abandoned! It&#8217;s unclear whether he was involved in an incident, or just lacking legs \/ fitness, after an under-par day on yesterday&#8217;s mountain stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:25:33+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:25:33.224Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3f487a2b-978e-49dc-8318-34fb614a4acd\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Euskaltel-Euskadi have missed the break, and they&#8217;ve been sent to the front of the bunch, either to amend that, or as punishment. Either way, it seems that the ship has sailed, as the gap is up to 1:40.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:23:48+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:23:48.005Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f0e98d9c-8979-4eac-bdb0-a88ac67912be\">A glimpse of the fight in the peloton earlier, before the break formed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d9628f39-8ed0-4c08-a4b1-b0b481596e17\">\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\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:19:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:19:00.239Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11655252-3b4f-4014-a84d-be887d3782e3\">So, the 14 riders who lead the race are:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Axel Laurance<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11655252-3b4f-4014-a84d-be887d3782e3-2\">Ilan Van Wilder<\/p>\n<p>Tobias Halland Johannessen<\/p>\n<p>Lorenzo Fortunato<\/p>\n<p>Guillaume Martin<\/p>\n<p>Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso<\/p>\n<p>Jardi Christiaan van der Lee<\/p>\n<p>James Shaw<\/p>\n<p>Joan Bou<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Dinham<\/p>\n<p>Reuben Thompson<\/p>\n<p>Natnael Tesfatsion<\/p>\n<p>Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez<\/p>\n<p>Igor Arrieta<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:17:29+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:17:29.603Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c525b499-7a3b-4399-b6b1-bcb69b435cc6\">We&#8217;ll bring you a full list of everone who&#8217;s in this break shortly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:15:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:15:23.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59e98dd0-57a1-4ea9-bd7b-969b50c97e55\">Almost a minute and a half for the group now. It seems the pelotonhas sat up, and, at long last, the stage has its break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:14:46+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:14:46.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-77d388ab-2331-44b4-993b-abf852e2fe2a\">A few riders managed to bridge up to the group, meaning there are a total of 14 in it now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:13:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:13:56.394Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8968a02f-61aa-4909-8cd0-d5f0e1e4a6ad\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Things are looking promising for this 14-man group &#8211; they have a lead of 45 seconds over the peloton, which must be the highest there&#8217;s been all day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:12:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:12:23.220Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f0127c86-0809-4736-81f4-e7dc1bb84d4b\">Johannessen is one of 6 riders in this group under 6 minutes down on GC &#8211; the others being Van Wilder, Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Lorenzo Fortunato and Jardi Christiaan van der Lee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:10:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:10:09.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a208e7c8-ffa4-443b-8ea5-e8136f5c8723\">As is Tobias Halland Johannessen, who would have been a contender for the yellow jersey had he not lost over four minutes yesterday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:08:58+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:08:58.910Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-320a01bc-6439-4ea0-ad41-839ca6a9cacc\">Fortunato and King of the Mountains Bou are in this new lead group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:08:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:08:25.308Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-775e51c4-d26d-48a7-9c63-8a6888b74385\">Van Wilder and Laurance are part of a large group of 15 that&#8217;s gone clear. Will the peloton chase this one down too, or are they at the end of their tether?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:05:43+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:05:43.643Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-062bba01-4797-41d8-bca5-6b0c6f12e031\">Ilan Van Wilder and Axel Laurance are the latest riders to try a move. The latter comes as a bit of a surprise, as he&#8217;d be one of the favourites in a bunch finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:01:45+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:01:45.991Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84d46327-53ba-47ad-a2a8-d1bd86904709\">The parcours really is testing at the moment. They\u2019re currently going up another unclassified climb, which averages 5.8% for 2km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:57:05+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:57:05.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e8f11e4c-3158-4e0e-8424-e72e96258332\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Still the attacks keep coming, but still no break has formed. This has been an exhausting start!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:51:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:51:12.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-169efd7e-3aca-43c9-8ad9-01f5d64d52e3\">The riders are climbing the Alto de los Heros, which, despite its difficult vital stats of a 5.4% average for 3.3km, has not been classified. Parcours at Itzulia Basque Country are always deceptively tricky, with hidden difficulties like this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:45:46.483Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdeb5564-6ddf-4423-9e13-49e6101912b0\">Marc Soler, im typical agressive fashion, was briefly off the front of the race, but has been caught by the front peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:45:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:45:00.205Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60912f53-f63f-4f59-8b33-1efe5c84b70e\">The first and second groups have come together, but the third lags behind still.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:44:31+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:44:31.487Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-882ce8ba-d004-4ef1-aff9-1f7ee4ad690e\">There are more splits in the peloton, which now appears to be in three different groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:40:40+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:40:40.020Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0038ebc6-ce07-4552-b19b-ddf5d266719a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So with the failure of that group to get away, the peloton is all back together again, and still we wait for the definitive break to form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:37:04+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:37:04.818Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4638710a-6327-4c16-99b6-d78a01987da7\">That group has been caught &#8211; it was surely too dangerous to allow up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:36:40+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:36:40.182Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c81d314e-7fe8-4920-aa46-bdae13324b9a\">Ben Healy, Magnus Cort, Quinn Simmons and Steven Kruijswijk are other riders present in this group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:35:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:35:50.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc3f3f65-7839-4e09-8644-9d47fd5d2765\">There are some big names too, including Tejada, who is a threat on GC in tenth overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:35:16+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:35:16.220Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-02a00754-6b19-48e6-a5fd-2010e8da529a\">We have a development &#8211; a large group of eleven riders have joined the two leaders at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:34:10+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:34:10.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5bc5ba7b-89fc-4c2f-ac44-d384fe8f5d92\">There are only 10km left in the women&#8217;s Scheldeprijs. You can follow all the action with us here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: The bunch is together after the day&#8217;s break was caught early on<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:31:02+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:31:02.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-93381bf5-3cf9-4e5e-8d17-ecae90e789e1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Elosegui and Veistroffer are staying out there for now, with a lead of 20 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:25:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:25:08.181Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e28531b-7667-459e-b0ea-29ec0620a203\">The peloton is chasing this one down too, though, their initial lead of 25 seconds having decreased to 15 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:22:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:22:07.502Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-272cfa38-5343-4c4b-bd23-c402dc448336\">I\u00f1igo Elosegui and, yet again, Baptiste Veistroffer have attacked and have a small lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:21:01+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:21:01.153Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c011da70-663e-4af2-abb9-2633b84180cd\">The peloton is all back together again having been split earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:16:19.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fca7e844-db46-4565-bd55-8f09c6c1b856\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Over 20km into the stage, and no break has been formed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:10:28+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:10:28.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a22a3c7-e52a-4efc-8098-c41ab009f5ed\">The race is very much on as attackers try to form a break, and there\u2019s been a split in the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:09:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:09:08.558Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb575e97-5c9c-4968-8c27-0b7173964c60\">It\u2019s another warm day out there in the Basque Country, with a temperature of over 20 degrees. So far this race has not been affected by the kind of rain weather familiar from past editions and that this part of the world is renowned for &#8211; the tourist board must be grateful, not to mention the riders taking part.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:04:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:04:37.285Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8f5e8a8-ae42-4776-a8a5-b1af6de21dbf\">The riders are currently climbing a small unclassified hill, typical of today&#8217;s undulating terrain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:03:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:03:35.791Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1596222b-6469-4767-9f8c-910b39676d66\">And now they&#8217;ve been clawed back &#8211; the race is all together again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:02:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:02:56.615Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e0c4e914-0786-4920-a6ba-eb056fffa87b\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton isn&#8217;t happy to let these three go, and are chasing them down. They have them back to just ten seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:58:48+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:58:48.148Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c8270622-1a85-45a9-8613-4ef8716dadc5\">Veistroffer has joined the other two, and they have 30 seconds on the peloton. This is looking promising for them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:56:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:56:25.293Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7d7a549-f591-4aa9-bbc4-9036f3b40b1f\">Veistroffer is purusuing them, after his initial attempt to go clear failed. He&#8217;s clearly in the mood today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:55:43+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:55:43.060Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd0518a-fde3-42e6-bbc7-ad46d552c833\">Maxime Decomble and the man in the King of the Mountain&#8217;s jersey, Joan Bou, are the latest riders to make a move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:53:54+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:53:54.944Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e26287ca-bca9-4b5c-a14a-2d3fb8bbb86f\">With so many riders no longer a threat on GC, and on a day with parcours that could suit many types of riders, today&#8217;s could be a very competetive fight to get into the day\u2019s break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:52:58+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:52:58.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b41d2da-d12e-4581-9f68-6a64d59ec704\">That duo has been brought back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:51:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:51:07.904Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8d6eac3-96b6-47d6-84d4-613848a11e5a\">Anders Halland Johannessen and Baptiste Veistroffer are on the attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:48:27+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:48:27.894Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-76aefb07-9714-4851-929e-701801a5c3c2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:47:59+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:47:59.970Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0055899-d137-45fa-aacb-0f79359bf167\">A reminder of what happened at yesterday&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas stuns again with victory in the mountains on stage 2 to create huge GC lead<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a7c1f1ae-764a-4f38-a3ca-9c0f88869277\">\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\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:38:55+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:38:55.355Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28b0aa9d-919c-4db7-9d10-89bea30a87dd\">And in the men\u2019s Scheldeprijs, Tim Merlier is back and hoping to seal a third consecutive title, but is up against quality and in-form opposition in Jasper Philipsen and Dylan Groenewegen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Men LIVE: Tim Merlier is back but so are his big-name sprint rivals<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:36:29+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:36:29.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47729b27-2ae9-43f7-8a32-3ddaa2c0075e\">The cycling world is still deep into classics season, and, away from the Basque Country, two more races are happening today &#8211; both of which we have coverage of.<\/p>\n<p>In the women\u2019s Scheldeprijs, many of the world\u2019s sprinters are hoping to capitalise on the absence of Lorena Wiebes to take a big win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47729b27-2ae9-43f7-8a32-3ddaa2c0075e-2\">Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: Can anyone prevent a bunch sprint, or will the fast women take the honours again?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:31:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:31:50.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8dcfca3a-92cb-4f05-ada0-c958a0208bb1\">145 riders who are left in the race are on the move, taking off from the unofficial start. We&#8217;ll have racing soon!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:28:42+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:28:42.325Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c2ff61a3-64b3-476e-b33d-b6e4976ebbc7\">The driver of the vehicle who caused Landa\u2019s crash also won\u2019t be here today, after the UCI commissaires expelled them from the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Driver of Itzulia Basque Country race doctor&#8217;s car expelled from race for causing Mikel Landa stage 2 crash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:25:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:25:35.439Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-490e7176-cd2e-4f98-89dd-d8799cafd633\">Mikel Landa is not here today, having pulled out overnight due to his heavy crash yesterday. Thankfully, his team reported that he did not suffer any fractures or long-term damage, so hopefully it won\u2019t be long before we see him racing again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:23:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:23:08.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1602fa82-72dc-439b-8546-7c679439f1d5\">There might not be a single climb hard enough to draw the GC contenders out, but the total of 2,824m of climbing throughout the day makes it a testing one that many puncheurs might back themselves to go for the stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:19:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:19:13.489Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85637ff0-4291-497f-b87e-68987e76440f\">Paul Seixas leads the race after a jaw-dropping attack on the final climb yesterday, and it\u2019s difficult to see how his rivals are going to gain the two minutes + they need to gain on him.<\/p>\n<p>Having won the first two stages back-to-back, we expect him to take more of a back seat today &#8211; but such is his form that we can\u2019t be sure he\u2019s not hungry for more success.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df268e28-fb26-40c8-b78e-839b8f89cb13\">\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\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:14:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:14:56.467Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-349dc148-d0b4-45b9-9880-7f0c242cc4d8\">After yesterday\u2019s big GC sort-out, today will be a much milder day in terms of parcours. There are still plenty of hills on the menu, however, and though this might be the best chance for a bunch sprint this week, it\u2019s far from guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:11:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:11:09.765Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage three of Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\" article-body \">\n<div class=\"button wcp-live-feed-reload\">Refresh <\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:47:17+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:47:17.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c92e36cb-ccaf-4cdc-82af-845de7e945dc\">That pair lead the race as they climb up the final classified climb of the day, which averages 56% for 2km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:46:01+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:46:01.980Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c35c0b90-6142-4b25-aa87-bce475d1f87b\">Laurance and Arrieta have clipped off the front of the lead group, and now lead the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:45:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:45:09.144Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ad071fd-0695-4b0c-9bb7-72cbd7313668\"><strong>Enjoying our live race coverage? Subscribe to Cyclingnews for an all-access pass to our unrivalled reporting of WorldTour racing, bike tech and exclusive in-depth features. Plus, access to the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on-the-go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:43:36+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:43:36.581Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fea08fc4-149e-4f64-9dc9-e307cbc969af\">A Decathlon teammate leads Seixas over the top of the climb, about 1:30 after the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:41:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:41:50.113Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0ae924c-69b0-46ed-8a63-018723529467\">Arrieta took 6 riders with him over the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:41:04+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:41:04.529Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e3a34f0-d1ea-43f6-a266-65c6df4697d2\">Arrieta leads the break as they near the top, and is dropping a few of his companions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:39:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:39:57.440Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a824910d-2b40-417e-9560-f6c362785a9e\">Not among them is Dinham, who was dropped and is being caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:39:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:39:32.412Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a902017-2db5-47f5-8e68-d3791539c6b2\">Most of the break has come back together now, as they reach the last kilometre of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:38:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:38:25.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c14496a4-b7f8-47a5-8a39-3e498c1679cc\">Four or five more riders are coming up to the leading four.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:38:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:38:00.679Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d5912aa0-38ee-4a50-9dad-ab599ae0e2ee\">Ayuso has been dropped out of the peloton. He&#8217;s struggling yet again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:36:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:36:47.871Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7bbd8cfa-e20b-4558-b4b9-c122b6a46472\">Van der Lee has company &#8211; he&#8217;s been joined by Fortunato, Arrieta and Johannessen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:36:15+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:36:15.750Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a4592352-f14a-4e64-9366-bd6fc0e5bb0c\">Tudor Pro Cycling become the first team in the peloton to up the pace on this climb and ride at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:34:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:34:32.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-902ebfe8-9bbd-4407-9a53-d55586e5f7c5\">No team in the peloton is laying it down on this climb, and so the break&#8217;s lead is growing, back up to over two minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:33:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:33:56.815Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad434c39-7502-44d7-9098-3d9b1f191d22\">That five second lead doesn&#8217;t look as big as it is, foreshortened as they hit the steep 9% gradients of the final kilometres of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:33:15+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:33:15.441Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d1aebb5-b138-4786-95f1-3bd8238ccdf2\">He has a lead of five seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:32:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:32:47.538Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bee3a803-3cd8-4cd4-a9ff-4fc208c599ae\">The break is on the climb, and we have a first attack! Van der Lee has gone clear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:31:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:31:37.445Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed3d4093-80d3-4c73-b506-cd4e1715bbd9\">It\u2019s no longer just Cofidis who are pulling at the front of the peloton. Lots of teams are up there, in a bunch all spread out as they ride up the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:29:30+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:29:30.862Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e14ec77-4a8b-4e23-aa61-c5b29c485013\">Cofidis leading the peloton.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-392498da-bf3b-4900-9014-911535535e20\">\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\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpyXRqdW3yYMoV3SnVEgbH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:27:11+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:27:11.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae7ec528-b220-4a88-9930-d8f429457a6c\">The stronger climbers in the breakaway will surely use this climb to try to thin out this group. Look out for Fortunato, Van Wilder, Johannessen and Martin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:25:39+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:25:39.456Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-79d762fb-b512-466f-8328-1b1a0b4cfcac\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1:20 is the gap between the peloton and the break, with 40km to go. This race is set to ignite soon on Alto de Bikotz, coming up in just a few kilometres, which kicks up to a nasty gradient of almost 9% for its final 3km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:20:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:20:57.830Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f7cd29d1-94da-4f3d-92c1-84ba930c3a88\">\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\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bxrsQ7gn8zwC27dNTD8bc8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:19:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:19:12.272Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8171a684-e352-41bb-9b05-1ea426fb933d\">Still the break&#8217;s lead comes slowly down. It&#8217;s now at 1:20, as they make their way down a shallow descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:18:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:18:35.970Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c685e66-b37d-4bda-9a73-fee6165fb89d\">The men&#8217;s Scheldeprijs is nearing its business end. We&#8217;re bringing you all the action here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Men LIVE: The sprinters&#8217; teams prepare for a high-speed sprint showdown in Schoten<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:14:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:14:50.550Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6f36bb81-1ad9-4121-a3a0-9d71a3e7196e\">The breakaway leading the race.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-358bb43a-1188-4284-a692-3a87d42b05d1\">\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\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NzWnT8NpBq6EXxaABCh8GF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:13:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:13:21.509Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-50km-to-go\"><span>50KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-c2221882-1d9e-450a-833c-eb7c9646c953\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Cofidis are slowly but surely dragging the break back. They have them back to within 1:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:06:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:06:21.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e4f6f40c-b9a3-4821-860d-cc5b514b5e4d\">\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\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:03:10+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:03:10.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-2eb1a020-f10b-4bdf-8bb2-10f9c03e9327\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Cofidis&#8217; work is helping to bring this gap down a little. It&#8217;s now at 1:45.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:02:30+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:02:30.052Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8353554b-6ae6-43cf-b26f-3592d2560bad\">Seixas still had an issue to sort out, and has changed bikes again. But everything is calm out there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:02:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:02:00.240Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80a3b299-4238-42fe-a698-1da79b217ec6\">That means the new virtual KOM rankings look like this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Bou 18 points<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80a3b299-4238-42fe-a698-1da79b217ec6-2\">2 Seixas 13<\/p>\n<p>3 Skjelmose 8<\/p>\n<p>4 Baudin 6<\/p>\n<p>5 Mintegi 6<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T14:00:33+00:00\">2026-04-08T14:00:33.939Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d13b4a11-a549-4195-9e23-b07c801f9282\">On the Alto de los Heros, King of the Mountains leader Bou added to his advanatage by being first over the climb, ahead of Arrieta and Fortunato.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:58:26+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:58:26.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1078b17b-b1c2-4883-8a6f-3a41526093ef\">Cofidis have joined Decathlon in setting the pace at the front of the peloton. They are presumably working for Alex Aranburu, who would be one of the favourites if everything is bright back for a sprint finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:55:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:55:47.965Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a5b9994-dbc5-4f10-93a0-6797dd50b9b7\">Seixas is back in the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:55:05+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:55:05.471Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-378d30e6-24cb-47f7-9a64-8f5c6a1720ca\">If you missed the women\u2019s Scheldeprijs and want to know what happened, have a read of our race report here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:53:57+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:53:57.803Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-709ad3dc-61db-4db5-a58c-4f5a5b494434\">Guti\u00e9rrez&#8217;s mission is over, and he&#8217;s caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:53:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:53:12.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef991808-a970-42c3-aee2-0d3c9ca0c381\">He&#8217;s in the convoy having had to have a bike change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:52:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:52:23.147Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48bf9ab7-5cf9-4026-9a4c-56df1701e8a3\">Paul Seixas is with his team car in the convoy having a drink on this descent, looking very relaxed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:49:32+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:49:32.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-70km-to-go\"><span>70KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b27f6554-2fed-4a3a-ab69-55674708d838\">Two minutes is the break&#8217;s lead over the peloton shortly after they crest the climb, with Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez in between at 1:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:46:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:46:37.103Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-150d9209-5dff-41a9-8e8b-e741210fd01b\">There&#8217;s one other rider still trying to chase on to the break by himself &#8211; Jorge Guti\u00e9rrez of the Equipo Kern Pharma team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:45:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:45:47.841Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c022a20b-31d7-416c-b114-e7af51b16078\">Chapeau to the Euskaltel pair of Lastra and Bizkarra, who managed to join the break before the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:45:02+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:45:02.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7f915e5-7f7f-4038-9958-22c26bd9c9f5\">Decathlon are leading the peloton on the climb, and keeping the gap at about two minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:41:21+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:41:21.733Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3e20ebbe-d95b-435e-adab-70d2696b94b0\">We&#8217;re learning that other were involved in that crash, too, including Ben Tulett and Alex Baudin, who were sixth and fifth overall respectivley. Nobody else abandoned, thankfully.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:39:39+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:39:39.028Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3f68c0da-45a4-4db8-8d52-a962ca8fe66d\">We have a reason for Del Toro&#8217;s abandon &#8211; he was indeed involved in a crash. It wasn&#8217;t too heavy, and he managed to get back on his feet and ten his bike, but was bad enough for him to pull out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:38:19.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a1643c-4c60-4f28-8c99-f88f105b6c6f\">It seems the timing of 50 seconds was not that between the leaders, but rather between them and the two Euskaltel chasers. The break have a comfortable lead after all, of two minutes on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:37:14+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:37:14.526Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60f80c60-90e7-4558-a70d-3b962073e465\">Two Euskaltel &#8211; Euskadi are in between the break and the peloton &#8211; Mikel Bizkarra and Jonathan Lastra. Rather than lead the peloton&#8217;s chase, they&#8217;re trying to make their own way to the break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:35:47+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:35:47.323Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bb8e3276-415f-4ddf-ae78-33a85bdb74ff\">This climb could be important for the strong climbers in the break to up the pace and increase their lead, even if it means dropping those less fast going uphill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:35:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:35:13.386Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-621d83be-8c8d-44f2-83ae-8238039bed06\">The peloton aren\u2019t happy to give this break much leeway after all! They\u2019ve brought the gap down to 50 seconds. This isn\u2019t looking so good for the break after all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:33:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:33:13.574Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6d42678b-1dfa-47e0-85f7-40e559f43fc6\">Having been worn down all day by the undulating terrain, the riders are about to take on the first proper climb &#8211; the category two Puerto de la Barrerilla. This one rises for 5km at 6.5%, and the plateau at the top is the highest point of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:29:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:29:07.464Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8fce3f1-8ad9-46d4-8cb3-9d80a1a3a345\">Del Toro might have been beneath his best in the previous two stages, but he was still decently positioned on GC, in eighth at 2:44.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:27:03+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:27:03.396Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-dnf-isaac-del-toro\"><span>DNF &#8211; ISAAC DEL TORO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d9aa2420-354d-4b5a-bed0-09ac4dd6054a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Some big news &#8211; pre-race favourite Isaac del Toro has abandoned! It&#8217;s unclear whether he was involved in an incident, or just lacking legs \/ fitness, after an under-par day on yesterday&#8217;s mountain stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:25:33+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:25:33.224Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3f487a2b-978e-49dc-8318-34fb614a4acd\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Euskaltel-Euskadi have missed the break, and they&#8217;ve been sent to the front of the bunch, either to amend that, or as punishment. Either way, it seems that the ship has sailed, as the gap is up to 1:40.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:23:48+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:23:48.005Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f0e98d9c-8979-4eac-bdb0-a88ac67912be\">A glimpse of the fight in the peloton earlier, before the break formed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d9628f39-8ed0-4c08-a4b1-b0b481596e17\">\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\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GYRxh6fhuQkETuHHJB4SR9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:19:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:19:00.239Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11655252-3b4f-4014-a84d-be887d3782e3\">So, the 14 riders who lead the race are:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Axel Laurance<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11655252-3b4f-4014-a84d-be887d3782e3-2\">Ilan Van Wilder<\/p>\n<p>Tobias Halland Johannessen<\/p>\n<p>Lorenzo Fortunato<\/p>\n<p>Guillaume Martin<\/p>\n<p>Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso<\/p>\n<p>Jardi Christiaan van der Lee<\/p>\n<p>James Shaw<\/p>\n<p>Joan Bou<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Dinham<\/p>\n<p>Reuben Thompson<\/p>\n<p>Natnael Tesfatsion<\/p>\n<p>Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez<\/p>\n<p>Igor Arrieta<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:17:29+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:17:29.603Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c525b499-7a3b-4399-b6b1-bcb69b435cc6\">We&#8217;ll bring you a full list of everone who&#8217;s in this break shortly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:15:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:15:23.377Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59e98dd0-57a1-4ea9-bd7b-969b50c97e55\">Almost a minute and a half for the group now. It seems the pelotonhas sat up, and, at long last, the stage has its break of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:14:46+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:14:46.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-77d388ab-2331-44b4-993b-abf852e2fe2a\">A few riders managed to bridge up to the group, meaning there are a total of 14 in it now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:13:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:13:56.394Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-90km-to-go\"><span>90KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-8968a02f-61aa-4909-8cd0-d5f0e1e4a6ad\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Things are looking promising for this 14-man group &#8211; they have a lead of 45 seconds over the peloton, which must be the highest there&#8217;s been all day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:12:23+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:12:23.220Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f0127c86-0809-4736-81f4-e7dc1bb84d4b\">Johannessen is one of 6 riders in this group under 6 minutes down on GC &#8211; the others being Van Wilder, Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Lorenzo Fortunato and Jardi Christiaan van der Lee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:10:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:10:09.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a208e7c8-ffa4-443b-8ea5-e8136f5c8723\">As is Tobias Halland Johannessen, who would have been a contender for the yellow jersey had he not lost over four minutes yesterday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:08:58+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:08:58.910Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-320a01bc-6439-4ea0-ad41-839ca6a9cacc\">Fortunato and King of the Mountains Bou are in this new lead group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:08:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:08:25.308Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-775e51c4-d26d-48a7-9c63-8a6888b74385\">Van Wilder and Laurance are part of a large group of 15 that&#8217;s gone clear. Will the peloton chase this one down too, or are they at the end of their tether?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:05:43+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:05:43.643Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-062bba01-4797-41d8-bca5-6b0c6f12e031\">Ilan Van Wilder and Axel Laurance are the latest riders to try a move. The latter comes as a bit of a surprise, as he&#8217;d be one of the favourites in a bunch finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T13:01:45+00:00\">2026-04-08T13:01:45.991Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84d46327-53ba-47ad-a2a8-d1bd86904709\">The parcours really is testing at the moment. They\u2019re currently going up another unclassified climb, which averages 5.8% for 2km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:57:05+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:57:05.108Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e8f11e4c-3158-4e0e-8424-e72e96258332\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Still the attacks keep coming, but still no break has formed. This has been an exhausting start!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:51:12+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:51:12.223Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-169efd7e-3aca-43c9-8ad9-01f5d64d52e3\">The riders are climbing the Alto de los Heros, which, despite its difficult vital stats of a 5.4% average for 3.3km, has not been classified. Parcours at Itzulia Basque Country are always deceptively tricky, with hidden difficulties like this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:45:46+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:45:46.483Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bdeb5564-6ddf-4423-9e13-49e6101912b0\">Marc Soler, im typical agressive fashion, was briefly off the front of the race, but has been caught by the front peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:45:00+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:45:00.205Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60912f53-f63f-4f59-8b33-1efe5c84b70e\">The first and second groups have come together, but the third lags behind still.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:44:31+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:44:31.487Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-882ce8ba-d004-4ef1-aff9-1f7ee4ad690e\">There are more splits in the peloton, which now appears to be in three different groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:40:40+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:40:40.020Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0038ebc6-ce07-4552-b19b-ddf5d266719a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So with the failure of that group to get away, the peloton is all back together again, and still we wait for the definitive break to form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:37:04+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:37:04.818Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4638710a-6327-4c16-99b6-d78a01987da7\">That group has been caught &#8211; it was surely too dangerous to allow up the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:36:40+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:36:40.182Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c81d314e-7fe8-4920-aa46-bdae13324b9a\">Ben Healy, Magnus Cort, Quinn Simmons and Steven Kruijswijk are other riders present in this group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:35:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:35:50.288Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fc3f3f65-7839-4e09-8644-9d47fd5d2765\">There are some big names too, including Tejada, who is a threat on GC in tenth overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:35:16+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:35:16.220Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-02a00754-6b19-48e6-a5fd-2010e8da529a\">We have a development &#8211; a large group of eleven riders have joined the two leaders at the front.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:34:10+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:34:10.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5bc5ba7b-89fc-4c2f-ac44-d384fe8f5d92\">There are only 10km left in the women&#8217;s Scheldeprijs. You can follow all the action with us here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: The bunch is together after the day&#8217;s break was caught early on<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:31:02+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:31:02.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-93381bf5-3cf9-4e5e-8d17-ecae90e789e1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Elosegui and Veistroffer are staying out there for now, with a lead of 20 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:25:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:25:08.181Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e28531b-7667-459e-b0ea-29ec0620a203\">The peloton is chasing this one down too, though, their initial lead of 25 seconds having decreased to 15 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:22:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:22:07.502Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-272cfa38-5343-4c4b-bd23-c402dc448336\">I\u00f1igo Elosegui and, yet again, Baptiste Veistroffer have attacked and have a small lead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:21:01+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:21:01.153Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c011da70-663e-4af2-abb9-2633b84180cd\">The peloton is all back together again having been split earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:16:19.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fca7e844-db46-4565-bd55-8f09c6c1b856\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Over 20km into the stage, and no break has been formed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:10:28+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:10:28.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a22a3c7-e52a-4efc-8098-c41ab009f5ed\">The race is very much on as attackers try to form a break, and there\u2019s been a split in the bunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:09:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:09:08.558Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb575e97-5c9c-4968-8c27-0b7173964c60\">It\u2019s another warm day out there in the Basque Country, with a temperature of over 20 degrees. So far this race has not been affected by the kind of rain weather familiar from past editions and that this part of the world is renowned for &#8211; the tourist board must be grateful, not to mention the riders taking part.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:04:37+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:04:37.285Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d8f5e8a8-ae42-4776-a8a5-b1af6de21dbf\">The riders are currently climbing a small unclassified hill, typical of today&#8217;s undulating terrain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:03:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:03:35.791Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1596222b-6469-4767-9f8c-910b39676d66\">And now they&#8217;ve been clawed back &#8211; the race is all together again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T12:02:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T12:02:56.615Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-140km-to-go\"><span>140KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-e0c4e914-0786-4920-a6ba-eb056fffa87b\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton isn&#8217;t happy to let these three go, and are chasing them down. They have them back to just ten seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:58:48+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:58:48.148Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c8270622-1a85-45a9-8613-4ef8716dadc5\">Veistroffer has joined the other two, and they have 30 seconds on the peloton. This is looking promising for them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:56:25+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:56:25.293Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7d7a549-f591-4aa9-bbc4-9036f3b40b1f\">Veistroffer is purusuing them, after his initial attempt to go clear failed. He&#8217;s clearly in the mood today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:55:43+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:55:43.060Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbd0518a-fde3-42e6-bbc7-ad46d552c833\">Maxime Decomble and the man in the King of the Mountain&#8217;s jersey, Joan Bou, are the latest riders to make a move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:53:54+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:53:54.944Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e26287ca-bca9-4b5c-a14a-2d3fb8bbb86f\">With so many riders no longer a threat on GC, and on a day with parcours that could suit many types of riders, today&#8217;s could be a very competetive fight to get into the day\u2019s break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:52:58+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:52:58.466Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2b41d2da-d12e-4581-9f68-6a64d59ec704\">That duo has been brought back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:51:07+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:51:07.904Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b8d6eac3-96b6-47d6-84d4-613848a11e5a\">Anders Halland Johannessen and Baptiste Veistroffer are on the attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:48:27+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:48:27.894Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-76aefb07-9714-4851-929e-701801a5c3c2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:47:59+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:47:59.970Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0055899-d137-45fa-aacb-0f79359bf167\">A reminder of what happened at yesterday&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas stuns again with victory in the mountains on stage 2 to create huge GC lead<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a7c1f1ae-764a-4f38-a3ca-9c0f88869277\">\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\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qGp8xz38Amo9GLRBQXuv9d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:38:55+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:38:55.355Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-28b0aa9d-919c-4db7-9d10-89bea30a87dd\">And in the men\u2019s Scheldeprijs, Tim Merlier is back and hoping to seal a third consecutive title, but is up against quality and in-form opposition in Jasper Philipsen and Dylan Groenewegen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Scheldeprijs Men LIVE: Tim Merlier is back but so are his big-name sprint rivals<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:36:29+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:36:29.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47729b27-2ae9-43f7-8a32-3ddaa2c0075e\">The cycling world is still deep into classics season, and, away from the Basque Country, two more races are happening today &#8211; both of which we have coverage of.<\/p>\n<p>In the women\u2019s Scheldeprijs, many of the world\u2019s sprinters are hoping to capitalise on the absence of Lorena Wiebes to take a big win.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47729b27-2ae9-43f7-8a32-3ddaa2c0075e-2\">Scheldeprijs Women LIVE: Can anyone prevent a bunch sprint, or will the fast women take the honours again?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:31:50+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:31:50.719Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8dcfca3a-92cb-4f05-ada0-c958a0208bb1\">145 riders who are left in the race are on the move, taking off from the unofficial start. We&#8217;ll have racing soon!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:28:42+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:28:42.325Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c2ff61a3-64b3-476e-b33d-b6e4976ebbc7\">The driver of the vehicle who caused Landa\u2019s crash also won\u2019t be here today, after the UCI commissaires expelled them from the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Driver of Itzulia Basque Country race doctor&#8217;s car expelled from race for causing Mikel Landa stage 2 crash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:25:35+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:25:35.439Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-490e7176-cd2e-4f98-89dd-d8799cafd633\">Mikel Landa is not here today, having pulled out overnight due to his heavy crash yesterday. Thankfully, his team reported that he did not suffer any fractures or long-term damage, so hopefully it won\u2019t be long before we see him racing again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:23:08+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:23:08.675Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1602fa82-72dc-439b-8546-7c679439f1d5\">There might not be a single climb hard enough to draw the GC contenders out, but the total of 2,824m of climbing throughout the day makes it a testing one that many puncheurs might back themselves to go for the stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:19:13+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:19:13.489Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85637ff0-4291-497f-b87e-68987e76440f\">Paul Seixas leads the race after a jaw-dropping attack on the final climb yesterday, and it\u2019s difficult to see how his rivals are going to gain the two minutes + they need to gain on him.<\/p>\n<p>Having won the first two stages back-to-back, we expect him to take more of a back seat today &#8211; but such is his form that we can\u2019t be sure he\u2019s not hungry for more success.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df268e28-fb26-40c8-b78e-839b8f89cb13\">\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\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gw2KYACUTsmFGditeENCbc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:14:56+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:14:56.467Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-349dc148-d0b4-45b9-9880-7f0c242cc4d8\">After yesterday\u2019s big GC sort-out, today will be a much milder day in terms of parcours. There are still plenty of hills on the menu, however, and though this might be the best chance for a bunch sprint this week, it\u2019s far from guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:11:09+00:00\">2026-04-08T11:11:09.765Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage three of Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-3-live-paul-seixas-defends-yellow-on-punchy-day-in-the-basque-country\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W33KpFatgkJK6psvyaZ5o6-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Itzulia Basque Country Itzulia Basque Country stage 3 LIVE: 16-man break up the road and Isaac del Toro abandons on hilly third day One for the hardy sprinters on a 152.8km loop around Basauri Live-reports By Stephen Puddicombe last updated 8 April 2026 0CommentsJoin the conversation When you [&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-1872199","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\/1872199","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=1872199"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872199\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1872199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1872199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1872199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}