{"id":1875970,"date":"2026-04-10T10:36:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875970"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:36:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:36:46","slug":"itzulia-basque-country-stage-5-live-paul-seixas-successfully-responds-to-attacks-by-florian-lipowitz-on-races-queen-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875970","title":{"rendered":"Itzulia Basque Country stage 5 LIVE &#8211; Paul Seixas successfully responds to attacks by Florian Lipowitz on race\u2019s queen stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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 5 LIVE &#8211; Paul Seixas successfully responds to attacks by Florian Lipowitz on race\u2019s queen stage<\/h1>\n<h2>Eight classified climbs and 3,800 metres of ascent pack the queen stage of the race in Eibar<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=\"2026-04-10T14:55:45Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 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-5-live-paul-seixas-remains-in-the-yellow-jersey-for-the-queen-stage\/\" 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\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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>KOM &#8211; ELKORRIETA<\/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>160KM 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>KOM &#8211; AZURKI<\/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>150KM 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>KOM &#8211; ETUMETA<\/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>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE KALBARIO<\/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>ATTACK &#8211; FLORIAN LIPOWITZ<\/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>KOM &#8211; KRABELIN<\/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>KOM &#8211; TRABAKUA<\/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\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-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 5 <\/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; Ben Healy and Marc Soler lead the race<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; A select group including most of the GC favourites chasing behind<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Mattias Skjelmose and Ben Tulett are the only riders in the GC top ten missing; they&#8217;re in another group well adrfit<\/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=\"2026-04-10T14:55:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:55:45.875Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-53195210-10f5-44ef-b0d4-b02434ef54d9\">Prodhomme is leading the chase group. Everyone is awaiting an attack from his team leader Seixas on this climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:53:57+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:53:57.703Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc4435e4-58f1-4cde-be63-b0745e7ed201\">Soler and Healy both have big engines and are working well together to preserve their lead of about half a minute, but things are about to get much harder for them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The upcoming Alto de Izua is a brute of a climb, averaging just short of 10% relentlessly for 3km. This is going to cause carnage, and the cream will surely rise to the top from the group of favourites behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:50:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:50:50.729Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ecb0b552-8792-472c-be4a-a141ea64900e\">\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\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-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=\"2026-04-10T14:48:24+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:48:24.143Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04b0a511-c6ce-49a4-a622-1dbbc8adb119\">There are 20 or so riders in the yellow jersey group, including all of the GC top ten apart from Skjelmose and Tulett.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:44:08+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:44:08.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1f5ed45b-76f6-4291-b1c7-1ff8def0e0e4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Soler and Healy are retaining their lead over the yellow jersey group, keeping it at about 35 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:43:17+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:43:17.097Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b361f578-8913-4ab0-8cce-4262fd48fdda\">The upcoming kilometres are rolling, with various steep ramps, before they arrive at the foot of the day\u2019s penultimate climb, Alto de Izua (3.6km at 9.9%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:41:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:41:27.120Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a2ccdb-a161-4965-831e-b967b56e8b14\">There have been many KOM points awarded today over the many different summits. Here\u2019s what the virtual classification looks like as a result:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Bou 22<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a2ccdb-a161-4965-831e-b967b56e8b14-2\">2 Anders Johannessen 19<\/p>\n<p>3 Seixas 19<\/p>\n<p>4 Soler 15<\/p>\n<p>5 Arrieta 13<\/p>\n<p>6 Vauquelin 11<\/p>\n<p>7 Tobias Johannessen 10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:39:31+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:39:31.886Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-trabakua\"><span>KOM &#8211; TRABAKUA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4416ec59-8c14-45c1-b21f-7767903722ef\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Soler crests the climb first ahead of Healy, Prodhomme leading the chasers about 30 seconds behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:36:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:36:09.467Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-824eab4c-a95b-4d29-ae21-2f963d7067ec\">Soler and Healy going well, increasing their lead to 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:34:04.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-092dfee6-748b-404d-be3f-1f7e0ade8896\">The riders are climbing up the latest climb, the 3.4km, 6.8% Trabakua.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:32:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:32:23.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cdf46486-3833-429d-ae97-395580e2a2c7\">A group containing Skjelmose and Tulett have been well distenced. They&#8217;re over two minutes behind the yellow jersey, and are set to tumble down the GC rankings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:29:21+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:29:21.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82c4aaca-9e0b-4f39-946e-3dde100c195f\">Soler attacks, yet again, and this time has Healy go with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:29:05+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:29:05.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-452cd47f-5f41-4eae-8403-c91b6bb926f1\">This lead group is a mixture of GC riders like Seixas, Lipowitz, Rogli\u010d and Izagirre, plus some who were in the original day\u2019s break, like Vauquelin, Healy, Scaroni and Soler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:27:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:27:02.614Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-587df278-f2e2-4470-9546-48f7a46a75df\">This lead group has grown some more &#8211; and Rogli\u010d has managed to make his way back on into it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:22:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:22:09.898Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47fc1118-7c38-4644-942d-e395e1310a3d\">Soler has been caught and is back in the yellow jersey group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:21:51+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:21:51.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e946f7f-3d8f-4bd9-b9a6-c2773cccfe87\">Now Aranburu takes over, working for Cofidis teammate Izagirre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:21:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:21:20.325Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-677252a6-a566-4967-8fad-adad815f4ccd\">Prodhomme is setting the pace in this group, as Seixas sole Decathlon teammate present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:20:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:20:29.507Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-022f86b7-8336-468e-9ba1-1388e638b97b\">GC riders Rogli\u010d and Izagirre have made it into this yellow jersey group, but missing are the men who were 5th and 6th on GC, Skjelmose and Tulett.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:19:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:19:03.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63667e29-dc4a-44b1-a3d5-b4edd93133eb\">Soler tries another attack out of this group, as they reach the bottom of the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:16:59+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:16:59.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f0dc194-4c74-4588-ab1f-4f37429bc6dc\">Almost immediately after the catch is made, Lipowitz attacks. Seixas is alert and on his wheel, though, along with a teammate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:16:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:16:01.611Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79c4bb1e-2cb2-4b2a-8fa8-74e4844e2fb3\">Vauquelin has been caught by the 11-man chase group, which features Seixas and Lipowitz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:15:22.319Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-51ec2a6a-513a-4988-8002-1dae0bebb145\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vauquelin only leads by a few second, over Soler, Bilbao, and a handful of other chasers who have joined, including Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:14:16+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:14:16.757Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34100b21-f80f-44f9-98ee-981efb2cd539\">Lipowitz attacking on the climb earlier, unable to drop Seixas.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8238be1c-15f9-42cf-88de-5a4ad6b2b7f7\">\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\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-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=\"2026-04-10T14:11:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:11:49.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7532241a-da89-4aa6-a84f-f4488cb4e417\">Bilbao also made it into that group, and has attacked out of it to join Soler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:10:07+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:10:07.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80aa30d6-78be-407e-afbb-e096e3835e4b\">This chase group has gotten bigger on the descent &#8211; there are now 19 riders in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:09:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:09:42.132Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f29f7658-8372-4aed-997d-24ced42bdc0b\">Soler has attaced the chase group on the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:07:08+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:07:08.911Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98839282-2c1d-4f5e-9ac5-ed6a6dc3702c\">Fortunato and Scaroni join the yellow jersey chase group, as they begin the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:06:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:06:18.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-krabelin\"><span>KOM &#8211; KRABELIN <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b23d623a-673d-4101-b5bb-1dddc3c530df\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vauquelin crests the climb still out front alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:05:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:05:42.634Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d41d5b68-79b6-4654-bccb-94af8cf6311c\">Baudin also managed to break out of the peloton to join the yellow jersey group, so there are three men in the GC top ten present in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:04:43+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:04:43.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c397ca1-19fb-41c8-a654-2b191d2a3b97\">Vauquelin is 20 seconds ahead of the yellow jersey group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:03:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:03:20.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-31bb30fb-0ac8-4051-9952-a5eac13ec0f1\">There are a few more riders with the Decathlon duo &#8211; Lipowitz, Soler, Healy, Baudin, Leonard, Aranburu and Ruiz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:02:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:02:02.256Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9b832c0-d8c6-495c-bc4e-3f49076eb573\">Seixas has teammate Prodhomme with him, and he&#8217;s setting the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:00:01.463Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7978a59c-952e-4f54-84ce-442489bab5dd\">Veistroffer must have been caught earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:59:44+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:59:44.580Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d7b211f-f678-4ed8-a80e-30cfacd8a412\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin attacks out of that front group, and now leads alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:59:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:59:19.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91667a3f-b7ad-4a84-b834-668997b7c55b\">It seems there&#8217;s only one group of four ahead of Seixas and Lipowitz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:57:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:57:03.400Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71dc1036-75b1-4509-9b39-c05e8e08e603\">The chasing group is breaking up, and Lipowitz and Seixas are catching some of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:56:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:56:20.516Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e37fc11-f345-41c0-b584-421e227bd11a\">Seixas has grabbed onto his wheel, but everyone else is gapped for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:55:57+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:55:57.130Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack-florian-lipowitz\"><span>ATTACK &#8211; FLORIAN LIPOWITZ<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b6f50e43-fdb3-4637-ab3f-1a0c0fa7c0d0\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lipowitz makes a move! This is a bold one so far from the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:55:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:55:09.336Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-984f7b9f-d236-42b7-8962-3775f740236c\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer together, before the latter went clear on the climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-28e632d0-4e9b-4062-be73-06285a4f4c8a\">\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\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-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=\"2026-04-10T13:52:58+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:52:58.361Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3e28123-935d-4a1d-b1da-ec502cea18b5\">And in the peloton, it&#8217;s Decathlon who are setting the pace. This could be a sign that Seixas is hungry for yet another stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:52:05+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:52:05.750Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23077e42-4b28-474e-aa3c-a0d57202913f\">In the chase behind, Uno-X is setting the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:51:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:51:23.398Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75f14385-48d1-4bec-b503-0ea9dd2c45b2\">Veistroffer has one clear of Kruijswijk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:49:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:49:29.887Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0b67c45-73fb-4112-aceb-c7ec13a7b2c4\">The road ramps up, as the leading duo hit the climb!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:49:06+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:49:06.538Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2628645e-73dc-458e-9bad-44f6b3e7687c\">Bahrain Victorious are motoring at the front of the peloton. They&#8217;re less than a minute away from the chasers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:46:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:46:32.189Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-94438854-8ebf-4375-9e0c-505d28d0ead7\">Paul Seixas in the yellow jersey, surrounded by his Decathlon teammates.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-73617eb8-ab45-4914-b8fb-1b7067594869\">\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\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-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=\"2026-04-10T13:44:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:44:32.692Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b339e53e-a5ea-4320-9539-8feb56448b2d\">The split that opened up in the chase group has been closed again, and they&#8217;re all back together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:42:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:42:53.285Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec9fe1d1-df75-4f0b-a359-39261dd100c3\">This is an important phase of the race, as the hardest climb of the day is just 5km away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Krabelin is 5km, but its real difficulty lies in its gradient, which averages an aching 9.4%. We&#8217;re still a long way from the finish, but the race could ignite on its slopes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:40:46+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:40:46.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-058b5fa5-10e6-4ea5-bbd7-10f8045f4099\">There&#8217;s been a split in the chase group, with about 10 clipping clear from the rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:39:36+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:39:36.199Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-94ace785-4e31-40c7-9ebf-693184c516e2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer lead by one minute, with the peloton three minutes down. The leaders are paying for their efforts for having gone so early.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:35:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:35:53.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6b4f80e5-002c-4338-847e-999986a04636\">The chase have got their act together some more, and are bringing the gap down again. It\u2019s down from two minutes to just over one minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:33:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:33:18.443Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-de-kalbario\"><span>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE KALBARIO <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b33e7dd9-c117-43cb-bb3d-3b55041189d6\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk took the points over the summit ahead of Veistroffer, while Johannessen led the chase over for third<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:31:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:31:28.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-491143e1-4679-44c4-a390-a9b3141437c3\">Once again its Bahrain Victorious who are setting the pace in the peloton, doing the work having missed the break again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:26:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:26:32.246Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad54a922-338f-48bd-a5bb-d01c9bc32395\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer continue to grow their lead, which is now two minutes on the chasers, and although the peloton has clawed a little back on them, bringing them to 4:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:25:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:25:03.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6c9e2b24-2efb-4cbf-ab8f-52df60b26707\">The riders are approaching the latest climb on the menu, the Alto de Kalbario. At 2.4km long it&#8217;s one of the easier ones tackled today, but has a steep average of 7.5%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:23:41+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:23:41.046Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3996381d-b1d2-4a6f-926b-b700cdcae47a\">The chase group.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-48defa19-d6aa-4dd8-8446-fd5b31267004\">\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\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-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=\"2026-04-10T13:18:25+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:18:25.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d233b6cb-4299-4d78-84b7-1207ba91e444\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So the situation after just over two hours of racing is that we have two leaders out front, Steven Kruijswijk and Baptiste Veistroffer, who lead a large group of chasers by 1:45, and the peloton by five minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:16:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:16:03.842Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-95b7bf9a-33bb-4111-a431-f0c5f9d648bb\">\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\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-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=\"2026-04-10T13:11:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:11:20.975Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb32543c-2d32-4b12-bec7-69b3ac955bfa\">The chasing group is someway behind, too, at 1:45.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:10:43+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:10:43.751Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3dc470a-29f6-453c-91bf-b1748b571ecc\">Kruijswijk has company at the front of the race &#8211; he&#8217;s just been joined by Veistroffer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:10:11+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:10:11.525Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e581685-4e3c-4bb8-8201-6c74258ee6f6\">Michael Leonard and Anders Halland Johannessen are both also present in the large chasing group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:07:36+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:07:36.925Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8feb9a0d-6187-46fd-86a2-fc45126ba3fa\">It seems there are a few riders we missed from the run-down of everyone in the break &#8211; including the indefatigable Baptiste Veistroffer, who has attacked out of it in pursuit of Kruijswijk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:05:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:05:50.361Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e636c7f-66a5-4c4f-8e64-a9c625614d52\">The breakaway group up the road.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c59a5035-920d-4304-a7aa-ff94e20843c4\">\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\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-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=\"2026-04-10T13:00:34+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:00:34.634Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-67784ed7-14d6-48f2-a2fd-1e362d4bd7f8\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk is on a mission. He leads the chasers by 1:20, who are themselves still 3:30 up on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:57:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:57:15.176Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b51a4bb6-a6fe-40e4-937d-8efffdcf0d8b\">The group of seven that had gone clear are now back in the peloton &#8211; apart from Kruijswijk, who now leads the race by himself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:55:04+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:55:04.528Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75e29755-5953-48d9-8cd7-65773a925151\">Yesterday&#8217;s winner Aranburu, in the break once again today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-857fac53-d9e0-4845-b25a-c4895238eab9\">\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\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-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=\"2026-04-10T12:49:48+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:49:48.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-be0b6215-1953-4c77-b26b-75c4af374223\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This lead group of seven contines to grow its gap on the peloton on the descent, now 4:30 ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:48:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:48:50.530Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1a4b745f-3b6b-4a5a-bde2-a7fdbf497a82\">Steven Kruijswijk has bridged up to the 6 leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:45:35+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:45:35.305Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-etumeta\"><span>KOM &#8211; ETUMETA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-05b798e6-ab7e-4108-abf1-ffabbf9c16a4\">Aranburu, Fortunato, L\u00f3pez, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Beloki and Ruiz crest the top of the climb together, ahead of the chasing group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:38:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:38:50.371Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-268076ca-d3b9-4431-aab3-e2228c3c9ced\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton remains far adrift, at over four minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:36:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:36:42.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-354c8ef6-42e0-4b1b-bd6f-64803a7451c1\">Aranburu, Fortunato, L\u00f3pez, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Beloki and Ruiz have gone clear and opened up a little gap over the rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:35:31+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:35:31.369Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0bf27f36-b8b0-4448-b251-8006738f9cff\">Some riders in the break aren\u2019t content with the group being this big. They\u2019ve attacked on the lower slopes of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:33:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:33:01.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e97a4ac0-8220-45d9-b0f4-789cb016a823\">There are also no Lidl-Trek riders in the group. You thought they might target breakaways now that Ayuso is out for good, but they do have a GC contender to defend in Skjelmose, who is fifth on GC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:31:24+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:31:24.903Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf7dd75d-a7dd-4c4e-922f-3d71d2047f5d\">As for the teams that missed the move, Bahrain Victorious are notable by their absence. They missed the move yesterday as well, and spent much of the day chasing to try to bring that day\u2019s break &#8211; to no avail. To do so twice in two days feels complacent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:28:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:28:20.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50b9c633-2f21-4098-8992-42b398201f00\">Those riders are about to take on the third climb of the day, the Etumeta (4.7km at 7.1%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:26:35+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:26:35.820Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b655113-d1dd-42cf-864e-46b92b82f4a4\">\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\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-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=\"2026-04-10T12:24:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:24:15.225Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f3eb3cb-8e74-4558-bc18-b14be45a566b\">Here is the 27-man break in full:<\/p>\n<p>Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Quentin Pacher (all Groupama-FDJ United), Steven Kruijswijk, Tijmen Graat, Menno Huising (all Visma-Lease a Bike), Marc Soler, Adri\u00e0 Pericas (both UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Lorenzo Fortunato, Christian Scaroni (both XDS Astana), Mauri Vansevenant, Steff Cras (both Soudal-QuickStep), Ben Healy, Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost), Juan Pedro L\u00f3pez, Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (both Movistar), Mattia Gaffuri, Juan Guillermo Martinez (both Picnic-PostNL), K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers), Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Hugo Houle (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon CMA CGM), Haimar Etxeberria (Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe), Andreas Kron (Uno-X Mobility), Ibon Ruiz (Equipo Kern Pharma), Samuel Fern\u00e1ndez (Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA) and Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel &#8211; Euskadi)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:14:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:14:28.708Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1be7345-79cb-4190-b32c-84f0657b921c\">The break&#8217;s grown their lead more, to over four minutes. It&#8217;s going to be a big challenge for the peloton to bring them back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:10:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:10:45.471Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-adb7c962-36cc-45b7-ba50-724dcba932e7\">Of the riders in the break, it seems that Guillaume Martin is the highest on GC in 16th at 4:38.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:09:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:09:15.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3368756f-a4b8-4cdf-9c6d-d53dbd09083b\">In fact, this group consists of many of the men who were most prominent in yesterday&#8217;s break. We&#8217;ll bring a full list to you shortly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:07:52+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:07:52.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07d823a9-e4d2-442c-9176-f1f3b282214a\">Some of the most eye-catching names in the breakaway group include &#8211; Ben Healy, Marc Soler, Fortunato, Scaroni, Martin and yesterday\u2019s winner Aranburu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:03:25+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:03:25.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf20442c-7d54-466a-a2a7-9c55569d973e\">\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\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-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=\"2026-04-10T12:02:00+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:02:00.776Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fc6251d2-5cef-409d-a4fe-c601331a897d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And it appears that this will be the break of the day. The peloton has sat up, and allowed them a lead of about three minutes already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:01:18.391Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd69b346-607b-4f41-9f4b-de54c8f544ef\">It&#8217;s a large group that&#8217;s caught Veistroffer, of over 30 riders it seems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:00:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:00:27.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec352068-7f6f-4160-9a74-5d7f1c78719c\">It&#8217;s all change in the race, as Veistroffer has been joined by a group of riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:59:07+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:59:07.915Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfd4bbab-7034-41ce-a478-bedf214baf71\">After a flying start to life at Lidl-Trek with overall victory at Volta ao Algarve, Itzulia Basque Country follows Paris-Nice as the second consecutive stage race the Spaniard has pulled out of. That attracted criticism in some quarters, but his lead defended the decision as the right move to look after his fitness ahead of the coming Ardennes Classics.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:53:38+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:53:38.725Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-028a02f0-33a2-4091-95c8-53e9e0e07044\">One rider missing today is Juan Ayuso, who abandoned the race yesterday. He later confirmed that he had been suffering from stomach problems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:51:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:51:28.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-azurki\"><span>KOM &#8211; AZURKI <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-de2880c2-249e-42c1-90d5-dcf672552f79\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Veistroffer&#8217;s still out in front alone, as he goes over the second climb of the day. At this rate he could find himself in a similar situation to Brandon McNulty yesterday, who spent a large portion of the day leading the race alone, before eventually burning out to finish almost 20 minutes down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:42:26+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:42:26.984Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0d201489-9688-49f4-bc6e-f991f98ca93e\">\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\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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=\"2026-04-10T11:37:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:37:42.854Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-22e90fb9-d644-4c53-90b9-1aa3db918c47\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">They&#8217;re on the climb now, with Veistroffer leading the race by just less than one minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:35:17+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:35:17.362Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9689b467-2e3b-4296-af19-424b48b2c222\">It\u2019s been a subdued start so far, but that should be about to change as they ride a short plateau to the foot of the first category one climb of the day, the 5.7km Azurki, which averages a tough 7.7%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:33:52+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:33:52.580Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-elkorrieta\"><span>KOM &#8211; ELKORRIETA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-95795f02-9e88-4da1-96f1-424ada5c4714\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Veistroffer leads the race over the climb, to take the KOM points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:32:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:32:49.376Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74251b20-5e68-49bc-8863-85e74f3d289e\">Baptiste Veistroffer, leading the race<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1d2eda2a-937a-4de5-b09b-222badb3685d\">\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\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-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=\"2026-04-10T11:31:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:31:32.390Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-519d7930-ae74-4b93-b465-c2d1a1370adb\">Both Fern\u00e1ndez and Thompson have been caught, but Veistroffer remains out there alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:30:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:30:02.175Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a362495-fc0b-44bb-9e08-1559521f8eb4\">The peloton were treated to the unusual spectacle of a local traditional \u2018Aurresku\u2019 performance before the start of the stage today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e8591b47-e136-4b02-a995-a31c209e6704\">\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\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-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=\"2026-04-10T11:27:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:27:23.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a45b5d76-d56b-4329-ac7c-dc9df92464e7\">Reuben Thompson also attacks out of the peloton, and is now third on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:25:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:25:29.468Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bba7e383-4e75-4e21-aacc-5526c1bb4022\">Veistroffer has a lead of a minute over the peloton already, and 30 seconds over the chaser Fern\u00e1ndez. That will likely change as they start climbing in a few kilometres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:23:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:23:27.441Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f53a649-4bdb-4dc8-84d9-ff07f7ed4f6d\">The first 10km of this stage are flat, but then the climbing starts with the category three Elkorrieta, and barely relented for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:21:11+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:21:11.306Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5d354be-e816-40c3-a3f7-c5cc87637f35\">Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez is in pursuit of Veistroffer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:20:14+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:20:14.844Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc52b43b-8f4e-4a35-b1cd-59848d399f95\">Baptiste Veistroffer, who was very busy during the first phase of yesterday&#8217;s stage, is the first to get a small gap today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:19:00+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:19:00.368Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca6e2d76-447d-408a-b8ee-ecd4972fbecf\">If yesterday&#8217;s stage is anything to go by, this will be a long, competitive battle to form the day&#8217;s break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:15:39+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:15:39.838Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-90348184-480e-4a5b-bac5-66efb6a237f9\">The scene at the start.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd132ced-87e2-42cb-8b38-131e9a8f42ba\">\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\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-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=\"2026-04-10T11:12:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:12:15.999Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c79b419-3a78-43cf-b094-8e65f0bf373b\" 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=\"2026-04-10T11:07:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:07:27.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d6e9670-72c2-4c08-943f-fbbd5a817ac7\">The weather continues to smile on the riders, treating them to blue skies and a temperature of over 20 degrees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:06:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:06:20.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d0f0228-eb87-4d5b-845a-cafc71c3feb7\">The winner of stage three, Axel Laurance, has not made it to the start this morning. He&#8217;s pulled out of the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:02:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:02:49.296Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb2300eb-a576-4f36-94fd-9868c477a820\">The riders are making their way though the neutralised zone as we speak.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:00:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:00:53.174Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b1cab23-ed7f-4a7c-9320-edd9b5f8de16\">Paul Seixas in yellow with his Decathlon CMA CGM team at the start today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b666073-9754-4e53-a78c-529f7fa5261d\">\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\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-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=\"2026-04-10T10:58:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:58:19.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b522130f-2211-4a61-8ce4-749b03aa3211\">There was a lot to unpack from yesterday&#8217;s hectic stage. Have a read of our report for the full lowdown.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 win<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:50:46+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:50:46.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3962e21a-d62c-4ca7-be65-7f8c0af6c55a\">The scene at the start today in Eibar, during the team presentation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-57db27f9-32ee-4b14-acc0-0485b8f0de9e\">\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\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-320-80.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=\"2026-04-10T10:48:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:48:19.140Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b367e63a-4cff-47f0-a12f-5a4a86009979\">Of course, there is one obvious way Seixas can be beaten &#8211; by riders in the break. There was huge interest in getting into the break yesterday, with the battle raging for hours and a massive group of over 30 eventually getting clear, and we should expect something similar today. Whether or not the catch is made may well depend on Seixas\u2019 appetite for another stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:45:58+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:45:58.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52bbff95-8362-4e80-99b8-2e03b3136558\">Based on the way this race has gone so far, it\u2019s the kind of parcours that makes Paul Seixas hot favourite for the stage win. He\u2019s been in a league of his own so far this race on the climbs, and even gained time yesterday on the descent, and if this stage is to be as selective as it looks, it\u2019s hard to see how anybody can beat him in a mano y mano fight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:41:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:41:45.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f406aef0-5b6a-4d11-9c41-b8147a785602\">This is the day that the organisers have deemed the Queen Stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, and it\u2019s easy to see why. In total there are eight classified climbs, and a total of 3,814m elevation gain, including two particularly steep category one climbs in the second half of the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:37:12+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:37:12.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage five 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>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"mostpopular\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-mostpopular widget-dynamic-mostpopular widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour: Antoine L&#8217;Hote thrills home crowd with first career victories as stage 4 win also delivers GC title<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/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 5 LIVE &#8211; Paul Seixas successfully responds to attacks by Florian Lipowitz on race\u2019s queen stage<\/h1>\n<h2>Eight classified climbs and 3,800 metres of ascent pack the queen stage of the race in Eibar<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=\"2026-04-10T14:55:45Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 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-5-live-paul-seixas-remains-in-the-yellow-jersey-for-the-queen-stage\/\" 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\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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 5 LIVE &#8211; Paul Seixas successfully responds to attacks by Florian Lipowitz on race\u2019s queen stage<\/h1>\n<h2>Eight classified climbs and 3,800 metres of ascent pack the queen stage of the race in Eibar<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=\"2026-04-10T14:55:45Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 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-5-live-paul-seixas-remains-in-the-yellow-jersey-for-the-queen-stage\/\" 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\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DfNdzjVQ9vsr9JopbXF7oM-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 5 <\/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; Ben Healy and Marc Soler lead the race<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; A select group including most of the GC favourites chasing behind<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Mattias Skjelmose and Ben Tulett are the only riders in the GC top ten missing; they&#8217;re in another group well adrfit<\/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=\"2026-04-10T14:55:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:55:45.875Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-53195210-10f5-44ef-b0d4-b02434ef54d9\">Prodhomme is leading the chase group. Everyone is awaiting an attack from his team leader Seixas on this climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:53:57+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:53:57.703Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc4435e4-58f1-4cde-be63-b0745e7ed201\">Soler and Healy both have big engines and are working well together to preserve their lead of about half a minute, but things are about to get much harder for them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The upcoming Alto de Izua is a brute of a climb, averaging just short of 10% relentlessly for 3km. This is going to cause carnage, and the cream will surely rise to the top from the group of favourites behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:50:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:50:50.729Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ecb0b552-8792-472c-be4a-a141ea64900e\">\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\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-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=\"2026-04-10T14:48:24+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:48:24.143Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04b0a511-c6ce-49a4-a622-1dbbc8adb119\">There are 20 or so riders in the yellow jersey group, including all of the GC top ten apart from Skjelmose and Tulett.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:44:08+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:44:08.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1f5ed45b-76f6-4291-b1c7-1ff8def0e0e4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Soler and Healy are retaining their lead over the yellow jersey group, keeping it at about 35 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:43:17+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:43:17.097Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b361f578-8913-4ab0-8cce-4262fd48fdda\">The upcoming kilometres are rolling, with various steep ramps, before they arrive at the foot of the day\u2019s penultimate climb, Alto de Izua (3.6km at 9.9%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:41:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:41:27.120Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a2ccdb-a161-4965-831e-b967b56e8b14\">There have been many KOM points awarded today over the many different summits. Here\u2019s what the virtual classification looks like as a result:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Bou 22<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a2ccdb-a161-4965-831e-b967b56e8b14-2\">2 Anders Johannessen 19<\/p>\n<p>3 Seixas 19<\/p>\n<p>4 Soler 15<\/p>\n<p>5 Arrieta 13<\/p>\n<p>6 Vauquelin 11<\/p>\n<p>7 Tobias Johannessen 10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:39:31+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:39:31.886Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-trabakua\"><span>KOM &#8211; TRABAKUA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4416ec59-8c14-45c1-b21f-7767903722ef\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Soler crests the climb first ahead of Healy, Prodhomme leading the chasers about 30 seconds behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:36:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:36:09.467Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-824eab4c-a95b-4d29-ae21-2f963d7067ec\">Soler and Healy going well, increasing their lead to 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:34:04.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-092dfee6-748b-404d-be3f-1f7e0ade8896\">The riders are climbing up the latest climb, the 3.4km, 6.8% Trabakua.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:32:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:32:23.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cdf46486-3833-429d-ae97-395580e2a2c7\">A group containing Skjelmose and Tulett have been well distenced. They&#8217;re over two minutes behind the yellow jersey, and are set to tumble down the GC rankings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:29:21+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:29:21.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82c4aaca-9e0b-4f39-946e-3dde100c195f\">Soler attacks, yet again, and this time has Healy go with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:29:05+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:29:05.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-452cd47f-5f41-4eae-8403-c91b6bb926f1\">This lead group is a mixture of GC riders like Seixas, Lipowitz, Rogli\u010d and Izagirre, plus some who were in the original day\u2019s break, like Vauquelin, Healy, Scaroni and Soler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:27:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:27:02.614Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-587df278-f2e2-4470-9546-48f7a46a75df\">This lead group has grown some more &#8211; and Rogli\u010d has managed to make his way back on into it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:22:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:22:09.898Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47fc1118-7c38-4644-942d-e395e1310a3d\">Soler has been caught and is back in the yellow jersey group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:21:51+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:21:51.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e946f7f-3d8f-4bd9-b9a6-c2773cccfe87\">Now Aranburu takes over, working for Cofidis teammate Izagirre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:21:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:21:20.325Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-677252a6-a566-4967-8fad-adad815f4ccd\">Prodhomme is setting the pace in this group, as Seixas sole Decathlon teammate present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:20:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:20:29.507Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-022f86b7-8336-468e-9ba1-1388e638b97b\">GC riders Rogli\u010d and Izagirre have made it into this yellow jersey group, but missing are the men who were 5th and 6th on GC, Skjelmose and Tulett.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:19:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:19:03.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63667e29-dc4a-44b1-a3d5-b4edd93133eb\">Soler tries another attack out of this group, as they reach the bottom of the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:16:59+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:16:59.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f0dc194-4c74-4588-ab1f-4f37429bc6dc\">Almost immediately after the catch is made, Lipowitz attacks. Seixas is alert and on his wheel, though, along with a teammate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:16:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:16:01.611Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79c4bb1e-2cb2-4b2a-8fa8-74e4844e2fb3\">Vauquelin has been caught by the 11-man chase group, which features Seixas and Lipowitz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:15:22.319Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-51ec2a6a-513a-4988-8002-1dae0bebb145\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vauquelin only leads by a few second, over Soler, Bilbao, and a handful of other chasers who have joined, including Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:14:16+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:14:16.757Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34100b21-f80f-44f9-98ee-981efb2cd539\">Lipowitz attacking on the climb earlier, unable to drop Seixas.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8238be1c-15f9-42cf-88de-5a4ad6b2b7f7\">\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\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-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=\"2026-04-10T14:11:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:11:49.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7532241a-da89-4aa6-a84f-f4488cb4e417\">Bilbao also made it into that group, and has attacked out of it to join Soler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:10:07+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:10:07.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80aa30d6-78be-407e-afbb-e096e3835e4b\">This chase group has gotten bigger on the descent &#8211; there are now 19 riders in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:09:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:09:42.132Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f29f7658-8372-4aed-997d-24ced42bdc0b\">Soler has attaced the chase group on the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:07:08+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:07:08.911Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98839282-2c1d-4f5e-9ac5-ed6a6dc3702c\">Fortunato and Scaroni join the yellow jersey chase group, as they begin the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:06:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:06:18.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-krabelin\"><span>KOM &#8211; KRABELIN <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b23d623a-673d-4101-b5bb-1dddc3c530df\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vauquelin crests the climb still out front alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:05:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:05:42.634Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d41d5b68-79b6-4654-bccb-94af8cf6311c\">Baudin also managed to break out of the peloton to join the yellow jersey group, so there are three men in the GC top ten present in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:04:43+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:04:43.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c397ca1-19fb-41c8-a654-2b191d2a3b97\">Vauquelin is 20 seconds ahead of the yellow jersey group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:03:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:03:20.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-31bb30fb-0ac8-4051-9952-a5eac13ec0f1\">There are a few more riders with the Decathlon duo &#8211; Lipowitz, Soler, Healy, Baudin, Leonard, Aranburu and Ruiz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:02:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:02:02.256Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9b832c0-d8c6-495c-bc4e-3f49076eb573\">Seixas has teammate Prodhomme with him, and he&#8217;s setting the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:00:01.463Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7978a59c-952e-4f54-84ce-442489bab5dd\">Veistroffer must have been caught earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:59:44+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:59:44.580Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d7b211f-f678-4ed8-a80e-30cfacd8a412\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin attacks out of that front group, and now leads alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:59:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:59:19.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91667a3f-b7ad-4a84-b834-668997b7c55b\">It seems there&#8217;s only one group of four ahead of Seixas and Lipowitz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:57:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:57:03.400Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71dc1036-75b1-4509-9b39-c05e8e08e603\">The chasing group is breaking up, and Lipowitz and Seixas are catching some of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:56:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:56:20.516Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e37fc11-f345-41c0-b584-421e227bd11a\">Seixas has grabbed onto his wheel, but everyone else is gapped for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:55:57+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:55:57.130Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack-florian-lipowitz\"><span>ATTACK &#8211; FLORIAN LIPOWITZ<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b6f50e43-fdb3-4637-ab3f-1a0c0fa7c0d0\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lipowitz makes a move! This is a bold one so far from the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:55:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:55:09.336Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-984f7b9f-d236-42b7-8962-3775f740236c\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer together, before the latter went clear on the climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-28e632d0-4e9b-4062-be73-06285a4f4c8a\">\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\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-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=\"2026-04-10T13:52:58+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:52:58.361Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3e28123-935d-4a1d-b1da-ec502cea18b5\">And in the peloton, it&#8217;s Decathlon who are setting the pace. This could be a sign that Seixas is hungry for yet another stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:52:05+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:52:05.750Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23077e42-4b28-474e-aa3c-a0d57202913f\">In the chase behind, Uno-X is setting the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:51:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:51:23.398Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75f14385-48d1-4bec-b503-0ea9dd2c45b2\">Veistroffer has one clear of Kruijswijk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:49:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:49:29.887Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0b67c45-73fb-4112-aceb-c7ec13a7b2c4\">The road ramps up, as the leading duo hit the climb!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:49:06+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:49:06.538Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2628645e-73dc-458e-9bad-44f6b3e7687c\">Bahrain Victorious are motoring at the front of the peloton. They&#8217;re less than a minute away from the chasers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:46:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:46:32.189Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-94438854-8ebf-4375-9e0c-505d28d0ead7\">Paul Seixas in the yellow jersey, surrounded by his Decathlon teammates.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-73617eb8-ab45-4914-b8fb-1b7067594869\">\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\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-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=\"2026-04-10T13:44:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:44:32.692Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b339e53e-a5ea-4320-9539-8feb56448b2d\">The split that opened up in the chase group has been closed again, and they&#8217;re all back together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:42:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:42:53.285Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec9fe1d1-df75-4f0b-a359-39261dd100c3\">This is an important phase of the race, as the hardest climb of the day is just 5km away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Krabelin is 5km, but its real difficulty lies in its gradient, which averages an aching 9.4%. We&#8217;re still a long way from the finish, but the race could ignite on its slopes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:40:46+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:40:46.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-058b5fa5-10e6-4ea5-bbd7-10f8045f4099\">There&#8217;s been a split in the chase group, with about 10 clipping clear from the rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:39:36+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:39:36.199Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-94ace785-4e31-40c7-9ebf-693184c516e2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer lead by one minute, with the peloton three minutes down. The leaders are paying for their efforts for having gone so early.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:35:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:35:53.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6b4f80e5-002c-4338-847e-999986a04636\">The chase have got their act together some more, and are bringing the gap down again. It\u2019s down from two minutes to just over one minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:33:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:33:18.443Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-de-kalbario\"><span>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE KALBARIO <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b33e7dd9-c117-43cb-bb3d-3b55041189d6\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk took the points over the summit ahead of Veistroffer, while Johannessen led the chase over for third<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:31:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:31:28.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-491143e1-4679-44c4-a390-a9b3141437c3\">Once again its Bahrain Victorious who are setting the pace in the peloton, doing the work having missed the break again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:26:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:26:32.246Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad54a922-338f-48bd-a5bb-d01c9bc32395\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer continue to grow their lead, which is now two minutes on the chasers, and although the peloton has clawed a little back on them, bringing them to 4:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:25:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:25:03.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6c9e2b24-2efb-4cbf-ab8f-52df60b26707\">The riders are approaching the latest climb on the menu, the Alto de Kalbario. At 2.4km long it&#8217;s one of the easier ones tackled today, but has a steep average of 7.5%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:23:41+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:23:41.046Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3996381d-b1d2-4a6f-926b-b700cdcae47a\">The chase group.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-48defa19-d6aa-4dd8-8446-fd5b31267004\">\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\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-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=\"2026-04-10T13:18:25+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:18:25.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d233b6cb-4299-4d78-84b7-1207ba91e444\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So the situation after just over two hours of racing is that we have two leaders out front, Steven Kruijswijk and Baptiste Veistroffer, who lead a large group of chasers by 1:45, and the peloton by five minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:16:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:16:03.842Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-95b7bf9a-33bb-4111-a431-f0c5f9d648bb\">\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\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-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=\"2026-04-10T13:11:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:11:20.975Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb32543c-2d32-4b12-bec7-69b3ac955bfa\">The chasing group is someway behind, too, at 1:45.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:10:43+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:10:43.751Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3dc470a-29f6-453c-91bf-b1748b571ecc\">Kruijswijk has company at the front of the race &#8211; he&#8217;s just been joined by Veistroffer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:10:11+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:10:11.525Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e581685-4e3c-4bb8-8201-6c74258ee6f6\">Michael Leonard and Anders Halland Johannessen are both also present in the large chasing group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:07:36+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:07:36.925Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8feb9a0d-6187-46fd-86a2-fc45126ba3fa\">It seems there are a few riders we missed from the run-down of everyone in the break &#8211; including the indefatigable Baptiste Veistroffer, who has attacked out of it in pursuit of Kruijswijk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:05:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:05:50.361Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e636c7f-66a5-4c4f-8e64-a9c625614d52\">The breakaway group up the road.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c59a5035-920d-4304-a7aa-ff94e20843c4\">\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\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-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=\"2026-04-10T13:00:34+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:00:34.634Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-67784ed7-14d6-48f2-a2fd-1e362d4bd7f8\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk is on a mission. He leads the chasers by 1:20, who are themselves still 3:30 up on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:57:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:57:15.176Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b51a4bb6-a6fe-40e4-937d-8efffdcf0d8b\">The group of seven that had gone clear are now back in the peloton &#8211; apart from Kruijswijk, who now leads the race by himself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:55:04+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:55:04.528Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75e29755-5953-48d9-8cd7-65773a925151\">Yesterday&#8217;s winner Aranburu, in the break once again today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-857fac53-d9e0-4845-b25a-c4895238eab9\">\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\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-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=\"2026-04-10T12:49:48+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:49:48.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-be0b6215-1953-4c77-b26b-75c4af374223\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This lead group of seven contines to grow its gap on the peloton on the descent, now 4:30 ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:48:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:48:50.530Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1a4b745f-3b6b-4a5a-bde2-a7fdbf497a82\">Steven Kruijswijk has bridged up to the 6 leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:45:35+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:45:35.305Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-etumeta\"><span>KOM &#8211; ETUMETA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-05b798e6-ab7e-4108-abf1-ffabbf9c16a4\">Aranburu, Fortunato, L\u00f3pez, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Beloki and Ruiz crest the top of the climb together, ahead of the chasing group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:38:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:38:50.371Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-268076ca-d3b9-4431-aab3-e2228c3c9ced\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton remains far adrift, at over four minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:36:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:36:42.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-354c8ef6-42e0-4b1b-bd6f-64803a7451c1\">Aranburu, Fortunato, L\u00f3pez, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Beloki and Ruiz have gone clear and opened up a little gap over the rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:35:31+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:35:31.369Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0bf27f36-b8b0-4448-b251-8006738f9cff\">Some riders in the break aren\u2019t content with the group being this big. They\u2019ve attacked on the lower slopes of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:33:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:33:01.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e97a4ac0-8220-45d9-b0f4-789cb016a823\">There are also no Lidl-Trek riders in the group. You thought they might target breakaways now that Ayuso is out for good, but they do have a GC contender to defend in Skjelmose, who is fifth on GC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:31:24+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:31:24.903Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf7dd75d-a7dd-4c4e-922f-3d71d2047f5d\">As for the teams that missed the move, Bahrain Victorious are notable by their absence. They missed the move yesterday as well, and spent much of the day chasing to try to bring that day\u2019s break &#8211; to no avail. To do so twice in two days feels complacent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:28:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:28:20.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50b9c633-2f21-4098-8992-42b398201f00\">Those riders are about to take on the third climb of the day, the Etumeta (4.7km at 7.1%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:26:35+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:26:35.820Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b655113-d1dd-42cf-864e-46b92b82f4a4\">\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\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-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=\"2026-04-10T12:24:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:24:15.225Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f3eb3cb-8e74-4558-bc18-b14be45a566b\">Here is the 27-man break in full:<\/p>\n<p>Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Quentin Pacher (all Groupama-FDJ United), Steven Kruijswijk, Tijmen Graat, Menno Huising (all Visma-Lease a Bike), Marc Soler, Adri\u00e0 Pericas (both UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Lorenzo Fortunato, Christian Scaroni (both XDS Astana), Mauri Vansevenant, Steff Cras (both Soudal-QuickStep), Ben Healy, Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost), Juan Pedro L\u00f3pez, Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (both Movistar), Mattia Gaffuri, Juan Guillermo Martinez (both Picnic-PostNL), K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers), Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Hugo Houle (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon CMA CGM), Haimar Etxeberria (Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe), Andreas Kron (Uno-X Mobility), Ibon Ruiz (Equipo Kern Pharma), Samuel Fern\u00e1ndez (Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA) and Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel &#8211; Euskadi)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:14:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:14:28.708Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1be7345-79cb-4190-b32c-84f0657b921c\">The break&#8217;s grown their lead more, to over four minutes. It&#8217;s going to be a big challenge for the peloton to bring them back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:10:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:10:45.471Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-adb7c962-36cc-45b7-ba50-724dcba932e7\">Of the riders in the break, it seems that Guillaume Martin is the highest on GC in 16th at 4:38.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:09:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:09:15.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3368756f-a4b8-4cdf-9c6d-d53dbd09083b\">In fact, this group consists of many of the men who were most prominent in yesterday&#8217;s break. We&#8217;ll bring a full list to you shortly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:07:52+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:07:52.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07d823a9-e4d2-442c-9176-f1f3b282214a\">Some of the most eye-catching names in the breakaway group include &#8211; Ben Healy, Marc Soler, Fortunato, Scaroni, Martin and yesterday\u2019s winner Aranburu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:03:25+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:03:25.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf20442c-7d54-466a-a2a7-9c55569d973e\">\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\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-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=\"2026-04-10T12:02:00+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:02:00.776Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fc6251d2-5cef-409d-a4fe-c601331a897d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And it appears that this will be the break of the day. The peloton has sat up, and allowed them a lead of about three minutes already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:01:18.391Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd69b346-607b-4f41-9f4b-de54c8f544ef\">It&#8217;s a large group that&#8217;s caught Veistroffer, of over 30 riders it seems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:00:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:00:27.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec352068-7f6f-4160-9a74-5d7f1c78719c\">It&#8217;s all change in the race, as Veistroffer has been joined by a group of riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:59:07+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:59:07.915Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfd4bbab-7034-41ce-a478-bedf214baf71\">After a flying start to life at Lidl-Trek with overall victory at Volta ao Algarve, Itzulia Basque Country follows Paris-Nice as the second consecutive stage race the Spaniard has pulled out of. That attracted criticism in some quarters, but his lead defended the decision as the right move to look after his fitness ahead of the coming Ardennes Classics.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:53:38+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:53:38.725Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-028a02f0-33a2-4091-95c8-53e9e0e07044\">One rider missing today is Juan Ayuso, who abandoned the race yesterday. He later confirmed that he had been suffering from stomach problems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:51:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:51:28.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-azurki\"><span>KOM &#8211; AZURKI <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-de2880c2-249e-42c1-90d5-dcf672552f79\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Veistroffer&#8217;s still out in front alone, as he goes over the second climb of the day. At this rate he could find himself in a similar situation to Brandon McNulty yesterday, who spent a large portion of the day leading the race alone, before eventually burning out to finish almost 20 minutes down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:42:26+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:42:26.984Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0d201489-9688-49f4-bc6e-f991f98ca93e\">\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\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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=\"2026-04-10T11:37:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:37:42.854Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-22e90fb9-d644-4c53-90b9-1aa3db918c47\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">They&#8217;re on the climb now, with Veistroffer leading the race by just less than one minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:35:17+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:35:17.362Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9689b467-2e3b-4296-af19-424b48b2c222\">It\u2019s been a subdued start so far, but that should be about to change as they ride a short plateau to the foot of the first category one climb of the day, the 5.7km Azurki, which averages a tough 7.7%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:33:52+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:33:52.580Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-elkorrieta\"><span>KOM &#8211; ELKORRIETA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-95795f02-9e88-4da1-96f1-424ada5c4714\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Veistroffer leads the race over the climb, to take the KOM points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:32:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:32:49.376Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74251b20-5e68-49bc-8863-85e74f3d289e\">Baptiste Veistroffer, leading the race<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1d2eda2a-937a-4de5-b09b-222badb3685d\">\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\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-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=\"2026-04-10T11:31:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:31:32.390Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-519d7930-ae74-4b93-b465-c2d1a1370adb\">Both Fern\u00e1ndez and Thompson have been caught, but Veistroffer remains out there alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:30:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:30:02.175Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a362495-fc0b-44bb-9e08-1559521f8eb4\">The peloton were treated to the unusual spectacle of a local traditional \u2018Aurresku\u2019 performance before the start of the stage today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e8591b47-e136-4b02-a995-a31c209e6704\">\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\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-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=\"2026-04-10T11:27:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:27:23.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a45b5d76-d56b-4329-ac7c-dc9df92464e7\">Reuben Thompson also attacks out of the peloton, and is now third on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:25:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:25:29.468Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bba7e383-4e75-4e21-aacc-5526c1bb4022\">Veistroffer has a lead of a minute over the peloton already, and 30 seconds over the chaser Fern\u00e1ndez. That will likely change as they start climbing in a few kilometres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:23:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:23:27.441Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f53a649-4bdb-4dc8-84d9-ff07f7ed4f6d\">The first 10km of this stage are flat, but then the climbing starts with the category three Elkorrieta, and barely relented for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:21:11+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:21:11.306Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5d354be-e816-40c3-a3f7-c5cc87637f35\">Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez is in pursuit of Veistroffer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:20:14+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:20:14.844Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc52b43b-8f4e-4a35-b1cd-59848d399f95\">Baptiste Veistroffer, who was very busy during the first phase of yesterday&#8217;s stage, is the first to get a small gap today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:19:00+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:19:00.368Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca6e2d76-447d-408a-b8ee-ecd4972fbecf\">If yesterday&#8217;s stage is anything to go by, this will be a long, competitive battle to form the day&#8217;s break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:15:39+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:15:39.838Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-90348184-480e-4a5b-bac5-66efb6a237f9\">The scene at the start.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd132ced-87e2-42cb-8b38-131e9a8f42ba\">\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\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-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=\"2026-04-10T11:12:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:12:15.999Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c79b419-3a78-43cf-b094-8e65f0bf373b\" 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=\"2026-04-10T11:07:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:07:27.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d6e9670-72c2-4c08-943f-fbbd5a817ac7\">The weather continues to smile on the riders, treating them to blue skies and a temperature of over 20 degrees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:06:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:06:20.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d0f0228-eb87-4d5b-845a-cafc71c3feb7\">The winner of stage three, Axel Laurance, has not made it to the start this morning. He&#8217;s pulled out of the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:02:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:02:49.296Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb2300eb-a576-4f36-94fd-9868c477a820\">The riders are making their way though the neutralised zone as we speak.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:00:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:00:53.174Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b1cab23-ed7f-4a7c-9320-edd9b5f8de16\">Paul Seixas in yellow with his Decathlon CMA CGM team at the start today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b666073-9754-4e53-a78c-529f7fa5261d\">\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\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-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=\"2026-04-10T10:58:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:58:19.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b522130f-2211-4a61-8ce4-749b03aa3211\">There was a lot to unpack from yesterday&#8217;s hectic stage. Have a read of our report for the full lowdown.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 win<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:50:46+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:50:46.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3962e21a-d62c-4ca7-be65-7f8c0af6c55a\">The scene at the start today in Eibar, during the team presentation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-57db27f9-32ee-4b14-acc0-0485b8f0de9e\">\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\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-320-80.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=\"2026-04-10T10:48:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:48:19.140Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b367e63a-4cff-47f0-a12f-5a4a86009979\">Of course, there is one obvious way Seixas can be beaten &#8211; by riders in the break. There was huge interest in getting into the break yesterday, with the battle raging for hours and a massive group of over 30 eventually getting clear, and we should expect something similar today. Whether or not the catch is made may well depend on Seixas\u2019 appetite for another stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:45:58+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:45:58.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52bbff95-8362-4e80-99b8-2e03b3136558\">Based on the way this race has gone so far, it\u2019s the kind of parcours that makes Paul Seixas hot favourite for the stage win. He\u2019s been in a league of his own so far this race on the climbs, and even gained time yesterday on the descent, and if this stage is to be as selective as it looks, it\u2019s hard to see how anybody can beat him in a mano y mano fight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:41:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:41:45.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f406aef0-5b6a-4d11-9c41-b8147a785602\">This is the day that the organisers have deemed the Queen Stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, and it\u2019s easy to see why. In total there are eight classified climbs, and a total of 3,814m elevation gain, including two particularly steep category one climbs in the second half of the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:37:12+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:37:12.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage five 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=\"2026-04-10T14:55:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:55:45.875Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-53195210-10f5-44ef-b0d4-b02434ef54d9\">Prodhomme is leading the chase group. Everyone is awaiting an attack from his team leader Seixas on this climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:53:57+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:53:57.703Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc4435e4-58f1-4cde-be63-b0745e7ed201\">Soler and Healy both have big engines and are working well together to preserve their lead of about half a minute, but things are about to get much harder for them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The upcoming Alto de Izua is a brute of a climb, averaging just short of 10% relentlessly for 3km. This is going to cause carnage, and the cream will surely rise to the top from the group of favourites behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:50:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:50:50.729Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ecb0b552-8792-472c-be4a-a141ea64900e\">\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\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uXBoQHWUrJXMPSgsGhpVjX-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=\"2026-04-10T14:48:24+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:48:24.143Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-04b0a511-c6ce-49a4-a622-1dbbc8adb119\">There are 20 or so riders in the yellow jersey group, including all of the GC top ten apart from Skjelmose and Tulett.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:44:08+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:44:08.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-40km-to-go\"><span>40KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-1f5ed45b-76f6-4291-b1c7-1ff8def0e0e4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Soler and Healy are retaining their lead over the yellow jersey group, keeping it at about 35 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:43:17+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:43:17.097Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b361f578-8913-4ab0-8cce-4262fd48fdda\">The upcoming kilometres are rolling, with various steep ramps, before they arrive at the foot of the day\u2019s penultimate climb, Alto de Izua (3.6km at 9.9%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:41:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:41:27.120Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a2ccdb-a161-4965-831e-b967b56e8b14\">There have been many KOM points awarded today over the many different summits. Here\u2019s what the virtual classification looks like as a result:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Bou 22<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61a2ccdb-a161-4965-831e-b967b56e8b14-2\">2 Anders Johannessen 19<\/p>\n<p>3 Seixas 19<\/p>\n<p>4 Soler 15<\/p>\n<p>5 Arrieta 13<\/p>\n<p>6 Vauquelin 11<\/p>\n<p>7 Tobias Johannessen 10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:39:31+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:39:31.886Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-trabakua\"><span>KOM &#8211; TRABAKUA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4416ec59-8c14-45c1-b21f-7767903722ef\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Soler crests the climb first ahead of Healy, Prodhomme leading the chasers about 30 seconds behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:36:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:36:09.467Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-824eab4c-a95b-4d29-ae21-2f963d7067ec\">Soler and Healy going well, increasing their lead to 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:34:04.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-092dfee6-748b-404d-be3f-1f7e0ade8896\">The riders are climbing up the latest climb, the 3.4km, 6.8% Trabakua.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:32:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:32:23.101Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cdf46486-3833-429d-ae97-395580e2a2c7\">A group containing Skjelmose and Tulett have been well distenced. They&#8217;re over two minutes behind the yellow jersey, and are set to tumble down the GC rankings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:29:21+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:29:21.837Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-82c4aaca-9e0b-4f39-946e-3dde100c195f\">Soler attacks, yet again, and this time has Healy go with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:29:05+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:29:05.219Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-452cd47f-5f41-4eae-8403-c91b6bb926f1\">This lead group is a mixture of GC riders like Seixas, Lipowitz, Rogli\u010d and Izagirre, plus some who were in the original day\u2019s break, like Vauquelin, Healy, Scaroni and Soler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:27:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:27:02.614Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-587df278-f2e2-4470-9546-48f7a46a75df\">This lead group has grown some more &#8211; and Rogli\u010d has managed to make his way back on into it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:22:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:22:09.898Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-47fc1118-7c38-4644-942d-e395e1310a3d\">Soler has been caught and is back in the yellow jersey group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:21:51+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:21:51.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e946f7f-3d8f-4bd9-b9a6-c2773cccfe87\">Now Aranburu takes over, working for Cofidis teammate Izagirre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:21:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:21:20.325Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-677252a6-a566-4967-8fad-adad815f4ccd\">Prodhomme is setting the pace in this group, as Seixas sole Decathlon teammate present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:20:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:20:29.507Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-022f86b7-8336-468e-9ba1-1388e638b97b\">GC riders Rogli\u010d and Izagirre have made it into this yellow jersey group, but missing are the men who were 5th and 6th on GC, Skjelmose and Tulett.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:19:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:19:03.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63667e29-dc4a-44b1-a3d5-b4edd93133eb\">Soler tries another attack out of this group, as they reach the bottom of the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:16:59+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:16:59.517Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f0dc194-4c74-4588-ab1f-4f37429bc6dc\">Almost immediately after the catch is made, Lipowitz attacks. Seixas is alert and on his wheel, though, along with a teammate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:16:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:16:01.611Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79c4bb1e-2cb2-4b2a-8fa8-74e4844e2fb3\">Vauquelin has been caught by the 11-man chase group, which features Seixas and Lipowitz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:15:22+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:15:22.319Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-60km-to-go\"><span>60KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-51ec2a6a-513a-4988-8002-1dae0bebb145\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vauquelin only leads by a few second, over Soler, Bilbao, and a handful of other chasers who have joined, including Seixas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:14:16+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:14:16.757Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34100b21-f80f-44f9-98ee-981efb2cd539\">Lipowitz attacking on the climb earlier, unable to drop Seixas.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8238be1c-15f9-42cf-88de-5a4ad6b2b7f7\">\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\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnGaCL3Gpd2TPQfAsU7GXQ-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=\"2026-04-10T14:11:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:11:49.971Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7532241a-da89-4aa6-a84f-f4488cb4e417\">Bilbao also made it into that group, and has attacked out of it to join Soler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:10:07+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:10:07.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-80aa30d6-78be-407e-afbb-e096e3835e4b\">This chase group has gotten bigger on the descent &#8211; there are now 19 riders in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:09:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:09:42.132Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f29f7658-8372-4aed-997d-24ced42bdc0b\">Soler has attaced the chase group on the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:07:08+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:07:08.911Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-98839282-2c1d-4f5e-9ac5-ed6a6dc3702c\">Fortunato and Scaroni join the yellow jersey chase group, as they begin the descent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:06:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:06:18.524Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-krabelin\"><span>KOM &#8211; KRABELIN <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b23d623a-673d-4101-b5bb-1dddc3c530df\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vauquelin crests the climb still out front alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:05:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:05:42.634Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d41d5b68-79b6-4654-bccb-94af8cf6311c\">Baudin also managed to break out of the peloton to join the yellow jersey group, so there are three men in the GC top ten present in it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:04:43+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:04:43.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c397ca1-19fb-41c8-a654-2b191d2a3b97\">Vauquelin is 20 seconds ahead of the yellow jersey group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:03:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:03:20.670Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-31bb30fb-0ac8-4051-9952-a5eac13ec0f1\">There are a few more riders with the Decathlon duo &#8211; Lipowitz, Soler, Healy, Baudin, Leonard, Aranburu and Ruiz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:02:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:02:02.256Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e9b832c0-d8c6-495c-bc4e-3f49076eb573\">Seixas has teammate Prodhomme with him, and he&#8217;s setting the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T14:00:01.463Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7978a59c-952e-4f54-84ce-442489bab5dd\">Veistroffer must have been caught earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:59:44+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:59:44.580Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5d7b211f-f678-4ed8-a80e-30cfacd8a412\">K\u00e9vin Vauquelin attacks out of that front group, and now leads alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:59:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:59:19.360Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-91667a3f-b7ad-4a84-b834-668997b7c55b\">It seems there&#8217;s only one group of four ahead of Seixas and Lipowitz.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:57:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:57:03.400Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71dc1036-75b1-4509-9b39-c05e8e08e603\">The chasing group is breaking up, and Lipowitz and Seixas are catching some of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:56:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:56:20.516Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0e37fc11-f345-41c0-b584-421e227bd11a\">Seixas has grabbed onto his wheel, but everyone else is gapped for now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:55:57+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:55:57.130Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-attack-florian-lipowitz\"><span>ATTACK &#8211; FLORIAN LIPOWITZ<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b6f50e43-fdb3-4637-ab3f-1a0c0fa7c0d0\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lipowitz makes a move! This is a bold one so far from the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:55:09+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:55:09.336Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-984f7b9f-d236-42b7-8962-3775f740236c\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer together, before the latter went clear on the climb.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-28e632d0-4e9b-4062-be73-06285a4f4c8a\">\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\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8P2vVinSJKiEMApMFhzEsf-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=\"2026-04-10T13:52:58+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:52:58.361Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a3e28123-935d-4a1d-b1da-ec502cea18b5\">And in the peloton, it&#8217;s Decathlon who are setting the pace. This could be a sign that Seixas is hungry for yet another stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:52:05+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:52:05.750Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23077e42-4b28-474e-aa3c-a0d57202913f\">In the chase behind, Uno-X is setting the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:51:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:51:23.398Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75f14385-48d1-4bec-b503-0ea9dd2c45b2\">Veistroffer has one clear of Kruijswijk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:49:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:49:29.887Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0b67c45-73fb-4112-aceb-c7ec13a7b2c4\">The road ramps up, as the leading duo hit the climb!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:49:06+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:49:06.538Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2628645e-73dc-458e-9bad-44f6b3e7687c\">Bahrain Victorious are motoring at the front of the peloton. They&#8217;re less than a minute away from the chasers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:46:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:46:32.189Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-94438854-8ebf-4375-9e0c-505d28d0ead7\">Paul Seixas in the yellow jersey, surrounded by his Decathlon teammates.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-73617eb8-ab45-4914-b8fb-1b7067594869\">\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\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4CB3nvcnxvfF3GTSjN6ffV-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=\"2026-04-10T13:44:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:44:32.692Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b339e53e-a5ea-4320-9539-8feb56448b2d\">The split that opened up in the chase group has been closed again, and they&#8217;re all back together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:42:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:42:53.285Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec9fe1d1-df75-4f0b-a359-39261dd100c3\">This is an important phase of the race, as the hardest climb of the day is just 5km away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Krabelin is 5km, but its real difficulty lies in its gradient, which averages an aching 9.4%. We&#8217;re still a long way from the finish, but the race could ignite on its slopes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:40:46+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:40:46.981Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-058b5fa5-10e6-4ea5-bbd7-10f8045f4099\">There&#8217;s been a split in the chase group, with about 10 clipping clear from the rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:39:36+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:39:36.199Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-80km-to-go\"><span>80KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-94ace785-4e31-40c7-9ebf-693184c516e2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer lead by one minute, with the peloton three minutes down. The leaders are paying for their efforts for having gone so early.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:35:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:35:53.591Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6b4f80e5-002c-4338-847e-999986a04636\">The chase have got their act together some more, and are bringing the gap down again. It\u2019s down from two minutes to just over one minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:33:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:33:18.443Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-alto-de-kalbario\"><span>KOM &#8211; ALTO DE KALBARIO <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b33e7dd9-c117-43cb-bb3d-3b55041189d6\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk took the points over the summit ahead of Veistroffer, while Johannessen led the chase over for third<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:31:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:31:28.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-491143e1-4679-44c4-a390-a9b3141437c3\">Once again its Bahrain Victorious who are setting the pace in the peloton, doing the work having missed the break again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:26:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:26:32.246Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ad54a922-338f-48bd-a5bb-d01c9bc32395\">Kruijswijk and Veistroffer continue to grow their lead, which is now two minutes on the chasers, and although the peloton has clawed a little back on them, bringing them to 4:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:25:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:25:03.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6c9e2b24-2efb-4cbf-ab8f-52df60b26707\">The riders are approaching the latest climb on the menu, the Alto de Kalbario. At 2.4km long it&#8217;s one of the easier ones tackled today, but has a steep average of 7.5%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:23:41+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:23:41.046Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3996381d-b1d2-4a6f-926b-b700cdcae47a\">The chase group.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-48defa19-d6aa-4dd8-8446-fd5b31267004\">\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\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P9MDFTFztJ9JU6pXo6qntP-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=\"2026-04-10T13:18:25+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:18:25.920Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-100km-to-go\"><span>100KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-d233b6cb-4299-4d78-84b7-1207ba91e444\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">So the situation after just over two hours of racing is that we have two leaders out front, Steven Kruijswijk and Baptiste Veistroffer, who lead a large group of chasers by 1:45, and the peloton by five minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:16:03+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:16:03.842Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-95b7bf9a-33bb-4111-a431-f0c5f9d648bb\">\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\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-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=\"2026-04-10T13:11:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:11:20.975Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb32543c-2d32-4b12-bec7-69b3ac955bfa\">The chasing group is someway behind, too, at 1:45.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:10:43+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:10:43.751Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e3dc470a-29f6-453c-91bf-b1748b571ecc\">Kruijswijk has company at the front of the race &#8211; he&#8217;s just been joined by Veistroffer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:10:11+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:10:11.525Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e581685-4e3c-4bb8-8201-6c74258ee6f6\">Michael Leonard and Anders Halland Johannessen are both also present in the large chasing group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:07:36+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:07:36.925Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8feb9a0d-6187-46fd-86a2-fc45126ba3fa\">It seems there are a few riders we missed from the run-down of everyone in the break &#8211; including the indefatigable Baptiste Veistroffer, who has attacked out of it in pursuit of Kruijswijk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:05:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:05:50.361Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e636c7f-66a5-4c4f-8e64-a9c625614d52\">The breakaway group up the road.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c59a5035-920d-4304-a7aa-ff94e20843c4\">\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\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8W7d82jTW6V7G2AwuR4hhm-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=\"2026-04-10T13:00:34+00:00\">2026-04-10T13:00:34.634Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-110km-to-go\"><span>110KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-67784ed7-14d6-48f2-a2fd-1e362d4bd7f8\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kruijswijk is on a mission. He leads the chasers by 1:20, who are themselves still 3:30 up on the peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:57:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:57:15.176Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b51a4bb6-a6fe-40e4-937d-8efffdcf0d8b\">The group of seven that had gone clear are now back in the peloton &#8211; apart from Kruijswijk, who now leads the race by himself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:55:04+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:55:04.528Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75e29755-5953-48d9-8cd7-65773a925151\">Yesterday&#8217;s winner Aranburu, in the break once again today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-857fac53-d9e0-4845-b25a-c4895238eab9\">\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\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/h8A7AjHiHBjHgWnr7DVkwP-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=\"2026-04-10T12:49:48+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:49:48.073Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-120km-to-go\"><span>120KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-be0b6215-1953-4c77-b26b-75c4af374223\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This lead group of seven contines to grow its gap on the peloton on the descent, now 4:30 ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:48:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:48:50.530Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1a4b745f-3b6b-4a5a-bde2-a7fdbf497a82\">Steven Kruijswijk has bridged up to the 6 leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:45:35+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:45:35.305Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-etumeta\"><span>KOM &#8211; ETUMETA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-05b798e6-ab7e-4108-abf1-ffabbf9c16a4\">Aranburu, Fortunato, L\u00f3pez, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Beloki and Ruiz crest the top of the climb together, ahead of the chasing group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:38:50+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:38:50.371Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-130km-to-go\"><span>130KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-268076ca-d3b9-4431-aab3-e2228c3c9ced\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton remains far adrift, at over four minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:36:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:36:42.749Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-354c8ef6-42e0-4b1b-bd6f-64803a7451c1\">Aranburu, Fortunato, L\u00f3pez, Garc\u00eda Pierna, Beloki and Ruiz have gone clear and opened up a little gap over the rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:35:31+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:35:31.369Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0bf27f36-b8b0-4448-b251-8006738f9cff\">Some riders in the break aren\u2019t content with the group being this big. They\u2019ve attacked on the lower slopes of the climb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:33:01+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:33:01.673Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e97a4ac0-8220-45d9-b0f4-789cb016a823\">There are also no Lidl-Trek riders in the group. You thought they might target breakaways now that Ayuso is out for good, but they do have a GC contender to defend in Skjelmose, who is fifth on GC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:31:24+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:31:24.903Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bf7dd75d-a7dd-4c4e-922f-3d71d2047f5d\">As for the teams that missed the move, Bahrain Victorious are notable by their absence. They missed the move yesterday as well, and spent much of the day chasing to try to bring that day\u2019s break &#8211; to no avail. To do so twice in two days feels complacent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:28:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:28:20.353Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-50b9c633-2f21-4098-8992-42b398201f00\">Those riders are about to take on the third climb of the day, the Etumeta (4.7km at 7.1%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:26:35+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:26:35.820Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b655113-d1dd-42cf-864e-46b92b82f4a4\">\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\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DHS3rQKSw4SaezeDHBanoQ-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=\"2026-04-10T12:24:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:24:15.225Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7f3eb3cb-8e74-4558-bc18-b14be45a566b\">Here is the 27-man break in full:<\/p>\n<p>Guillaume Martin, Cl\u00e9ment Braz Afonso, Quentin Pacher (all Groupama-FDJ United), Steven Kruijswijk, Tijmen Graat, Menno Huising (all Visma-Lease a Bike), Marc Soler, Adri\u00e0 Pericas (both UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Lorenzo Fortunato, Christian Scaroni (both XDS Astana), Mauri Vansevenant, Steff Cras (both Soudal-QuickStep), Ben Healy, Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost), Juan Pedro L\u00f3pez, Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Pierna (both Movistar), Mattia Gaffuri, Juan Guillermo Martinez (both Picnic-PostNL), K\u00e9vin Vauquelin (Ineos Grenadiers), Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), Hugo Houle (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon CMA CGM), Haimar Etxeberria (Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe), Andreas Kron (Uno-X Mobility), Ibon Ruiz (Equipo Kern Pharma), Samuel Fern\u00e1ndez (Caja Rural &#8211; Seguros RGA) and Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel &#8211; Euskadi)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:14:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:14:28.708Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1be7345-79cb-4190-b32c-84f0657b921c\">The break&#8217;s grown their lead more, to over four minutes. It&#8217;s going to be a big challenge for the peloton to bring them back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:10:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:10:45.471Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-adb7c962-36cc-45b7-ba50-724dcba932e7\">Of the riders in the break, it seems that Guillaume Martin is the highest on GC in 16th at 4:38.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:09:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:09:15.604Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3368756f-a4b8-4cdf-9c6d-d53dbd09083b\">In fact, this group consists of many of the men who were most prominent in yesterday&#8217;s break. We&#8217;ll bring a full list to you shortly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:07:52+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:07:52.481Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07d823a9-e4d2-442c-9176-f1f3b282214a\">Some of the most eye-catching names in the breakaway group include &#8211; Ben Healy, Marc Soler, Fortunato, Scaroni, Martin and yesterday\u2019s winner Aranburu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:03:25+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:03:25.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cf20442c-7d54-466a-a2a7-9c55569d973e\">\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\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMsKF3mbrcr4zni9FMcnzD-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=\"2026-04-10T12:02:00+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:02:00.776Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-150km-to-go\"><span>150KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-fc6251d2-5cef-409d-a4fe-c601331a897d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And it appears that this will be the break of the day. The peloton has sat up, and allowed them a lead of about three minutes already.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:01:18.391Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd69b346-607b-4f41-9f4b-de54c8f544ef\">It&#8217;s a large group that&#8217;s caught Veistroffer, of over 30 riders it seems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:00:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T12:00:27.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ec352068-7f6f-4160-9a74-5d7f1c78719c\">It&#8217;s all change in the race, as Veistroffer has been joined by a group of riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:59:07+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:59:07.915Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfd4bbab-7034-41ce-a478-bedf214baf71\">After a flying start to life at Lidl-Trek with overall victory at Volta ao Algarve, Itzulia Basque Country follows Paris-Nice as the second consecutive stage race the Spaniard has pulled out of. That attracted criticism in some quarters, but his lead defended the decision as the right move to look after his fitness ahead of the coming Ardennes Classics.<\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:53:38+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:53:38.725Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-028a02f0-33a2-4091-95c8-53e9e0e07044\">One rider missing today is Juan Ayuso, who abandoned the race yesterday. He later confirmed that he had been suffering from stomach problems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8216;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:51:28+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:51:28.422Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-azurki\"><span>KOM &#8211; AZURKI <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-de2880c2-249e-42c1-90d5-dcf672552f79\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Veistroffer&#8217;s still out in front alone, as he goes over the second climb of the day. At this rate he could find himself in a similar situation to Brandon McNulty yesterday, who spent a large portion of the day leading the race alone, before eventually burning out to finish almost 20 minutes down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:42:26+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:42:26.984Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0d201489-9688-49f4-bc6e-f991f98ca93e\">\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\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-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=\"2026-04-10T11:37:42+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:37:42.854Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-160km-to-go\"><span>160KM TO GO<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-22e90fb9-d644-4c53-90b9-1aa3db918c47\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">They&#8217;re on the climb now, with Veistroffer leading the race by just less than one minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:35:17+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:35:17.362Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9689b467-2e3b-4296-af19-424b48b2c222\">It\u2019s been a subdued start so far, but that should be about to change as they ride a short plateau to the foot of the first category one climb of the day, the 5.7km Azurki, which averages a tough 7.7%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:33:52+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:33:52.580Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kom-elkorrieta\"><span>KOM &#8211; ELKORRIETA <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-95795f02-9e88-4da1-96f1-424ada5c4714\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Veistroffer leads the race over the climb, to take the KOM points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:32:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:32:49.376Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-74251b20-5e68-49bc-8863-85e74f3d289e\">Baptiste Veistroffer, leading the race<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1d2eda2a-937a-4de5-b09b-222badb3685d\">\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\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VrmEeuh3RaNPnn9VTUzMEo-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=\"2026-04-10T11:31:32+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:31:32.390Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-519d7930-ae74-4b93-b465-c2d1a1370adb\">Both Fern\u00e1ndez and Thompson have been caught, but Veistroffer remains out there alone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:30:02+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:30:02.175Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4a362495-fc0b-44bb-9e08-1559521f8eb4\">The peloton were treated to the unusual spectacle of a local traditional \u2018Aurresku\u2019 performance before the start of the stage today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e8591b47-e136-4b02-a995-a31c209e6704\">\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\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDjK9WxAjdztGM8g8QuwTQ-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=\"2026-04-10T11:27:23+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:27:23.908Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a45b5d76-d56b-4329-ac7c-dc9df92464e7\">Reuben Thompson also attacks out of the peloton, and is now third on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:25:29+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:25:29.468Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bba7e383-4e75-4e21-aacc-5526c1bb4022\">Veistroffer has a lead of a minute over the peloton already, and 30 seconds over the chaser Fern\u00e1ndez. That will likely change as they start climbing in a few kilometres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:23:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:23:27.441Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f53a649-4bdb-4dc8-84d9-ff07f7ed4f6d\">The first 10km of this stage are flat, but then the climbing starts with the category three Elkorrieta, and barely relented for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:21:11+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:21:11.306Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5d354be-e816-40c3-a3f7-c5cc87637f35\">Sinuh\u00e9 Fern\u00e1ndez is in pursuit of Veistroffer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:20:14+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:20:14.844Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cc52b43b-8f4e-4a35-b1cd-59848d399f95\">Baptiste Veistroffer, who was very busy during the first phase of yesterday&#8217;s stage, is the first to get a small gap today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:19:00+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:19:00.368Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ca6e2d76-447d-408a-b8ee-ecd4972fbecf\">If yesterday&#8217;s stage is anything to go by, this will be a long, competitive battle to form the day&#8217;s break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:15:39+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:15:39.838Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-90348184-480e-4a5b-bac5-66efb6a237f9\">The scene at the start.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bd132ced-87e2-42cb-8b38-131e9a8f42ba\">\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\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jsb3ciBrVSipskj5ogVZEU-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=\"2026-04-10T11:12:15+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:12:15.999Z<\/time><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-3c79b419-3a78-43cf-b094-8e65f0bf373b\" 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=\"2026-04-10T11:07:27+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:07:27.513Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d6e9670-72c2-4c08-943f-fbbd5a817ac7\">The weather continues to smile on the riders, treating them to blue skies and a temperature of over 20 degrees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:06:20+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:06:20.149Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7d0f0228-eb87-4d5b-845a-cafc71c3feb7\">The winner of stage three, Axel Laurance, has not made it to the start this morning. He&#8217;s pulled out of the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:02:49+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:02:49.296Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cb2300eb-a576-4f36-94fd-9868c477a820\">The riders are making their way though the neutralised zone as we speak.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:00:53+00:00\">2026-04-10T11:00:53.174Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4b1cab23-ed7f-4a7c-9320-edd9b5f8de16\">Paul Seixas in yellow with his Decathlon CMA CGM team at the start today.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4b666073-9754-4e53-a78c-529f7fa5261d\">\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\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cq4pBCfx86Zxb7xWDqU2LM-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=\"2026-04-10T10:58:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:58:19.659Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b522130f-2211-4a61-8ce4-749b03aa3211\">There was a lot to unpack from yesterday&#8217;s hectic stage. Have a read of our report for the full lowdown.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 win<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:50:46+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:50:46.375Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3962e21a-d62c-4ca7-be65-7f8c0af6c55a\">The scene at the start today in Eibar, during the team presentation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-57db27f9-32ee-4b14-acc0-0485b8f0de9e\">\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\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/auqubUSjmcpUu69LzeioE4-320-80.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=\"2026-04-10T10:48:19+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:48:19.140Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b367e63a-4cff-47f0-a12f-5a4a86009979\">Of course, there is one obvious way Seixas can be beaten &#8211; by riders in the break. There was huge interest in getting into the break yesterday, with the battle raging for hours and a massive group of over 30 eventually getting clear, and we should expect something similar today. Whether or not the catch is made may well depend on Seixas\u2019 appetite for another stage win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:45:58+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:45:58.033Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-52bbff95-8362-4e80-99b8-2e03b3136558\">Based on the way this race has gone so far, it\u2019s the kind of parcours that makes Paul Seixas hot favourite for the stage win. He\u2019s been in a league of his own so far this race on the climbs, and even gained time yesterday on the descent, and if this stage is to be as selective as it looks, it\u2019s hard to see how anybody can beat him in a mano y mano fight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:41:45+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:41:45.690Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f406aef0-5b6a-4d11-9c41-b8147a785602\">This is the day that the organisers have deemed the Queen Stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, and it\u2019s easy to see why. In total there are eight classified climbs, and a total of 3,814m elevation gain, including two particularly steep category one climbs in the second half of the stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\"><time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T10:37:12+00:00\">2026-04-10T10:37:12.072Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage five 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-5-live-paul-seixas-remains-in-the-yellow-jersey-for-the-queen-stage\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xjhApxHuhdvme8JfBJTeHH-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Itzulia Basque Country Itzulia Basque Country stage 5 LIVE &#8211; Paul Seixas successfully responds to attacks by Florian Lipowitz on race\u2019s queen stage Eight classified climbs and 3,800 metres of ascent pack the queen stage of the race in Eibar Live-reports By Stephen Puddicombe last updated 10 April [&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-1875970","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\/1875970","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=1875970"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875970\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}