Stage 2 of Itzulia Basque Country will present the first serious climbing test of the 2026 edition, as the peloton tackles a demanding 164.9-kilometer route from Pamplona-Iruña to Lekunberri on April 7. With 3,191 meters of vertical gain and four categorized climbs, today’s stage will separate the contenders from the pretenders in the Basque mountains.

Brutal Mountain Finale Awaits

The stage will feature four significant climbs: Etxauri, Zuarrarrate, Aldatz, and the fearsome San Miguel de Aralar. The final ascent to San Miguel de Aralar stands as the day’s defining challenge—a first-category climb averaging 7.7% over 9.5 kilometers that will test every rider’s climbing credentials. The gradient ramps up to 8.0% in the final kilometer, promising a brutal finale that could reshape the general classification.

Del Toro Ready to Lead UAE Charge

Isaac del Toro will spearhead UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s ambitions on today’s mountainous terrain. The Mexican climber enters Stage 2 as one of the key figures to watch, with his team positioning him as their primary weapon for the challenging Basque climbs. Del Toro’s climbing pedigree makes him a natural contender for today’s summit finish, where pure power-to-weight ratio will determine the outcome.

The 23-year-old will need to navigate the early climbs strategically, conserving energy for the decisive San Miguel de Aralar ascent. His ability to respond to attacks on the steepest sections could prove crucial in establishing an early advantage in the overall standings.

Key Rivals Circle for Mountain Battle

Del Toro will face stiff competition from established climbing specialists who excel on gradients exceeding 7%. The combination of distance and elevation gain creates perfect conditions for pure climbers to assert their dominance, while the punishing final kilometer gradient of 8.0% will favor riders with explosive finishing kicks.

Today’s stage represents the first real opportunity for GC contenders to make their mark, with time gaps likely to emerge on the San Miguel de Aralar ascent. The technical descent into Lekunberri adds another tactical element, rewarding riders who can maintain their advantage after cresting the summit.

Expect fireworks on the slopes of San Miguel de Aralar as del Toro and his rivals battle for stage honors and crucial early positioning in the general classification.