The excitement is palpable as the 64th edition of the Tour du Pays Basque kicks off today, April 7, 2025, with an individual time trial that promises to set the stage for a thrilling week of cycling. This year’s event, which runs until April 12, showcases a formidable lineup of cyclists eager to claim the coveted title previously held by Juan Ayuso, who triumphed in 2024.
While Ayuso will not defend his crown, his team, UAE Team Emirates XRG, is still well-represented with João Almeida, who is expected to be a top contender. Almeida’s strong early-season form has made him a favorite among cycling enthusiasts, and he will be joined by teammates like Brandon McNulty and Isaac Del Toro, who are also expected to perform well throughout the stages.
The competition is fierce, with several other elite riders ready to challenge for the title. Enric Mas from Movistar Team, known for his climbing prowess, and Marc Hirschi from Tudor Pro Cycling Team, who has shown remarkable consistency, are set to make their mark. Additionally, Pello Bilbao and Santiago Buitrago from Bahrain Victorious will be key players to watch, as they aim to leverage their skills in the mountainous terrain characteristic of the Basque Country.
French riders are also in the mix, with Romain Grégoire and Axel Zingle from Groupama-FDJ and Visma Lease a Bike respectively, looking to snatch stage victories. Julian Alaphilippe, another French cycling star, is making his return to competitive racing after a brief hiatus, and his presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event.
The Tour du Pays Basque is renowned for its challenging course, and this year is no exception. Spanning 864.7 kilometers over six stages, the race will test the cyclists' endurance and climbing abilities. The opening stage is a 16.5-kilometer time trial that starts in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where the riders will race against the clock to secure an early advantage.
Following the time trial, the second stage, which covers 199.8 kilometers from Pamplona-Iruña to Lodosa, is expected to feature a potentially explosive finale. The route includes an uphill challenge just 10 kilometers from the finish line, which could be pivotal for teams looking to disrupt the sprinters.
On Wednesday, April 9, the third stage will take riders from Zarautz to Beasain, where they will face the steep climb of Lazkaomendi, a notorious ascent that could shake up the general classification standings. This stage is particularly crucial for the climbers, as it provides an opportunity to gain time against their rivals.
The fourth stage, stretching 169.6 kilometers from Beasain to Markina-Xemein, will again challenge the riders with significant climbs, including the ascent of Izua, which peaks just 10 kilometers from the finish. As the race progresses into the fifth stage, competitors will tackle the dual challenges of Zalobante and Mendieta, both of which could play a decisive role in the overall outcome.
Finally, the sixth stage will conclude the Tour with a 153.4-kilometer route around Eibar, featuring a final climb that promises to create an exciting finish as riders battle for the title and the prestigious leader’s jersey.
The event will be broadcast live daily on Eurosport and Eurosport Max, ensuring fans can follow every twist and turn of this thrilling competition. The first stage is set to air at 15:30 local time, continuing through the week with similar start times for each subsequent stage.
As the Tour du Pays Basque unfolds, all eyes will be on the cyclists as they navigate the demanding terrain and fierce competition. Will João Almeida rise to the occasion and secure his place in the cycling history books, or will a surprise challenger emerge from the pack? With a star-studded lineup and a challenging course, the stakes are high, and the excitement is just beginning.
Stay tuned for updates as the race progresses, and witness the drama and determination that make the Tour du Pays Basque a highlight of the cycling calendar.
