2024 Itzulia Basque Country Stage 5 Live Coverage
Welcome to our live coverage of Stage 5 of the 2024 Itzulia Basque Country! Our live profile and commentary are below, followed by a preview of the technical aspects of the route.
Course Preview
The 5th stage of the Itzulia Basque Country involves three climbs and an elevation gain of 2,220 metres. Virtually all climbing is done in the last 100 kilometres of the 175.9-kilometre-long race.
Setting out from Vitoria-Gasteiz, the first 40 kilometres are on pan-flat roads to the north. The riders then enter a large loop through the Urkiola Natural Park, reaching its highest point after a 5.5-kilometre climb at 9.5%. There is hardly any descent, and the riders stay at altitude for 10 kilometres. Then, they fly down to the place where they entered the loop.
On familiar roads, the riders continue back to the finishing venue, Amorebieta-Etxano, before they leave the lap with a sharp left-hand turn for 1.5 runs on a shorter circuit. This lap features two short climbs, and they are both featured twice. The Muniketa Gaina is 3.5 kilometres long and averages 7.3%, and the other one—unclassified—slopes for 1.7 kilometres at 4.4%.
The Muniketa Gaina is crested with 13 kilometres to go and the last hill within the last 5 kilometres. The downhill leads onto a flat 2 kilometre long run-in to the line.
Last year, Sergio Higuita won a stage in Amorebieta-Etxano, although that finale was different.
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