2021 Itzulia Basque Country Stage 2 Results & Recap
Stage 2 of the 2021 Itzulia Basque Country is in the books. The final results and standings are below, followed by our recap of how the race unfolded.
Race Recap
Aranburu wins stage 2
Local Basque rider Alex Aranburu delighted fans when he claimed victory on stage 2 of Itzulia Basque Country after a late attack on the reduced favorites proved successful. The win gives Team Astana its first of the season.
“We knew that there would be some movements on the final climb but the downhill was also very important. On the last part of the climb Omar tried and when they counterattacked him, it was my turn to try. I could make a small gap and then I went full gas until the finish. It’s my first victory in a World Tour race. I started well this season but I hadn’t won any races yet. To win at home at Itzulia Basque Country is very special. The team had very good results this year but not a win yet so it’s always nice, even more if it is at home."
“I try to be a better rider, year after year. This season I had more confidence and experience for the Classics, and yesterday I also did a good time trial. I’ll try to do my best and let’s see where it takes me. There are still a lot of hard stages to come. I have a good position on GC but we also have strong riders in the team to go for it. We’ll see day by day. I never thought about coming to Itzulia and fighting for GC but I feel good and I also felt good yesterday. Let’s see day by day and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Aranburu crossed the line in Sestao 15 seconds ahead of Omar Fraile (Astana - Premier Tech) and Tadej PogaÄŤar (UAE Team Emirates). Aranburu's win bumped him up to second overall, five seconds behind race leader, Primoz Roglic. Brandon McNulty (UAE Emirates) is third at six seconds.
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