A challenging week across the “Euskadi-País Vasco” awaits our team participating in the 62nd edition of the Itzulia Basque Country from 3 to 8 April. The WorldTour 6-day stage race, packed between two Monuments, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, is one of the most awaited events for climbers.
Its course unrolls through twisty, narrow roads, technical descents, and explosive climbs. Although there won’t be a proper mountain finish this year, the route remains demanding, keeping its Basque soul and with around one thousand km to be covered, without a time-trial stage, with only one opportunity for the sprinters in the opening stage, and with the queen stage coming on the final day in Eibar.
Those who are looking forward to riding this race are especially Bahrain Victorious Basque riders Mikel Landa and Pello Bilbao, our race leader and road captain:
“I’d say, Itzulia is the most special race of all the season. It’s my home race. I always diligently prepared for this race, checking all the stages I didn’t know.
Also, I did the recon of all the stages ahead of this edition. It seems that organizers had designed a different Itzulia this year, with a different parkour than other years.
I believe it’s an interesting plan for the race, and I guess a few seconds’ gaps will decide it; the bonus seconds at sprints can also be decisive. The race will be open until the last stage.
I think it will be a great opportunity for us, especially for riders who know the course well because of some tricky stages.
Ultimately, the race keeps its style: narrow roads, challenging climbs, and tricky and steep descents typical in the Basque Country. In this sense, the race will be ridden in the limit as usual, but it’s also something I like and enjoy.”
Mikel Landa agrees with his teammate:
“Looking at the route, it’s not a course that suits me, but racing at home always motivates me. Knowing the roads in such a race, it’s always an advantage, and I’m in good shape.”
Besides the two home riders, Bahrain Victorious will line up the Austrian climbers Rainer Kepplinger and Hermann Pernsteiner, that alongside Yukiya Arashiro, have recently built their shape at Volta a Catalunya. Two riders are back in action to complete the team: the Italian climber Edoardo Zambanini and the strong German helper Jasha Sütterlin.
Bahrain Victorious Sports Director Neil Stephens comments:
“Our goal is to be on the final GC podium with a win in one stage. We have to pay attention in every moment as this year’s race can be won and lost on the bonus seconds. Therefore, the work of each team member is critical. Every action we take will be to support our leader Pello Bilbao for stages and GC, to help him to win the Itzulia”.
