Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times

The 2026 Itzulia Basque Country kicks off with a 13.8-kilometre individual time trial through Bilbao, featuring a challenging Cat.3 climb up Alto de Santo Domingo before a fast descent and a final uphill sprint to the finish. The stage marks the start of the six-day WorldTour race, with riders departing at intervals from 14:30 CET, beginning with Georg Zimmermann of Lotto-Intermarché and concluding with local favourite Mikel Landa of Soudal-QuickStep at 17:23. This opening test is expected to set the tone for the race, offering an early indication of form among the contenders. Among the key riders to watch is Primož Roglič of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who has dominated Itzulia Basque Country time trials since 2017 and will start early at 14:46. Other notable competitors include Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain-Victorious), Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), former winner Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), and rising star Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates-XRG). Last year’s stage one winner, Max Schachmann (Soudal-QuickStep), will not be defending his title, leaving the field wide open for new contenders. The detailed start list reveals a strong and diverse lineup, with riders from prominent WorldTour teams and local squads alike. The staggered start times reflect a strategic order, balancing early departures for favourites and later starts for other top riders. This format not only heightens suspense but also allows fans to follow their preferred cyclists throughout the afternoon, as the race unfolds across Bilbao’s urban and hilly terrain. With the time trial setting the initial general classification, the results will have significant implications for team tactics and rider morale over the subsequent stages. A strong performance here could provide a crucial psychological advantage, while any early deficits will require aggressive riding in the mountains and road stages to recover lost time. As the Itzulia Basque Country progresses, the opening day’s outcomes will be closely analysed by teams and commentators alike, shaping expectations for this prestigious early-season race.