Ethan Hayter, Max Schachmann and Ilan Van Wilder will all be in action next week.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, the city where Deportivo Alaves – Mikel Landa’s favourite football team – is based in, will host the start of the 64th edition of Itzulia Basque Country. A 16.5km individual time trial, the longest seen there since 2018, will be responsible for the first important gaps between the general classification contenders, who twenty-four hours later should enjoy a much calmer day on the roads between Pamplona and Lodosa.
The next four days will comprise more than two dozen climbs, some of which featuring nasty double-digit gradients, that will give the yellow jersey favourites plenty of opportunities to show their intentions. There won’t be any uphill finishes this year, but the proximity of the typical short but steep Basque Country ascents close to the line should be enough for those keen on attacking and making the difference.
Gianmarco Garofoli, British Champion Ethan Hayter, James Knox, Maximilian Schachmann, Paris-Nice top 10 finisher Ilan Van Wilder, Mauri Vansevenant and Tour of Oman stage winner Louis Vervaeke are the seven riders making up Soudal Quick-Step’s team for the first World Tour stage race of the month.
“We have a strong squad, with two leaders, Max and Ilan, who are both very motivated. The first day ITT will be important for the general classification, as it can create some important gaps. From there, it’s the typical Basque Country parcours: short but steep climbs and narrow roads. All the boys are ready for next week, and we want to do a solid race and fight for a good result in the overall ranking of this hard and beautiful race”, said sports director Klaas Lodewyck.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
