Stage 3 of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country will present riders with one of the most demanding tests of the race when the peloton tackles a challenging 152.8-kilometer circuit around Basauri on April 8. With 2,709 meters of vertical climbing packed into the route, this stage promises to shake up the general classification and provide opportunities for aggressive racing.<\/p>\n\n
The stage will start and finish in Basauri, taking riders through a punishing route that includes three significant climbs: Barrerilla, Bikotx Gane, and Sarasola. These ascents will test the legs of every rider in the peloton and could prove decisive for overall contenders looking to gain time or defend their positions.<\/p>\n\n
The circuit format means riders will have multiple opportunities to study the terrain, but it also ensures that fatigue will accumulate with each passing kilometer. The combination of distance and elevation gain suggests this stage will favor strong climbers and riders with excellent tactical awareness.<\/p>\n\n
UAE Team Emirates’ Isaac del Toro will enter the stage as one of the key riders to watch. The Mexican climber’s ability to handle sustained efforts on challenging terrain makes him well-suited to the demands of this particular route. Del Toro will need to carefully manage his energy across the three major climbs while remaining alert to attacks from rivals.<\/p>\n\n
The stage profile suggests that del Toro could find opportunities to either gain time on competitors or position himself for a potential stage victory. His team will likely look to control the pace on the early climbs before allowing him to respond to moves or initiate attacks on the final ascents.<\/p>\n\n
Del Toro will face strong competition from established climbers who excel on this type of terrain. The presence of multiple classified climbs means that attacks could come at various points throughout the stage, requiring constant vigilance and tactical flexibility.<\/p>\n\n
The circuit nature of the route will allow teams to study their rivals’ form and tactics early in the stage, potentially setting up dramatic confrontations on the later climbs. Positioning at the base of each ascent will prove crucial, as gaps can open quickly on the steep gradients.<\/p>\n\n
Mexican fans can follow del Toro’s progress live on Claro Sports and DSports, with coverage beginning at 07:30 hours local time.<\/p>\n\n
With significant climbing and a demanding circuit layout, Stage 3 promises to deliver spectacular racing and could prove pivotal in determining the overall winner of this year’s Itzulia Basque Country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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