2021 Itzulia Basque Country Race Preview
The details of this year's 2021 Itzulia Basque Country are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The Itzulia Basque Country returns in 2021 as one of the most eagerly anticipated races on the spring calendar, a six-stage battle through the rugged hills and punishing climbs of the Basque region that consistently produces some of the most exciting racing of the year. With its relentless terrain and passionate roadside crowds, this race has a deserved reputation for separating the contenders from the pretenders in brutal fashion.
The start list this year reads like a who's who of the sport's finest climbers and classics specialists. Primoz Roglic arrives as a heavy favourite, the Slovenian having already demonstrated his form with a commanding performance at Tirreno-Adriatico. The Jumbo-Visma leader has an affinity with this race and the technical descents and punchy climbs suit his aggressive, all-round abilities perfectly.
Alejandro Valverde will be hoping to add to his remarkable palmares on home roads, the veteran Spaniard still capable of mixing it with the very best on terrain he knows intimately. His Movistar team will look to use the race to build momentum ahead of the Giro d'Italia.
Adam Yates represents a serious threat for Ineos Grenadiers, while his twin brother Simon could also play a role depending on how the race develops. The British squad have the numbers to control proceedings if they choose to race tactically.
Sergio Higuita and Ion Izagirre add further depth to an excellent field, and the punishing final stages through the Basque hills almost guarantee a dramatic conclusion to the week.
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