As it happened: Victory goes to the breakaway and yellow jersey gains time on chaotic stage 4 of Itzulia Basque Country

Alex Aranburu claimed a dramatic victory on the chaotic fourth stage of the Itzulia Basque Country, edging out Tobias Halland Johannessen in a tense uphill sprint finish. The stage was marked by relentless action and strategic manoeuvring, with a large breakaway group dominating much of the race. Aranburu, a Basque rider for Cofidis, demonstrated his local knowledge and climbing prowess to secure his third World Tour win, all of which have come at this race, further cementing his affinity for the event. The general classification saw significant shifts as Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM extended his overall lead through a bold late-race descent that allowed him to break clear from the peloton. Seixas now holds a 2 minute 19 second advantage over second-placed Primož Roglič, with Florian Lipowitz trailing closely in third. Ion Izagirre also made a notable move, finishing fourth on the stage after a well-timed attack alongside Seixas, which saw him leapfrog several rivals in the overall standings. The stage was characterised by a dwindling peloton, with only ten riders remaining together by the finish, all of whom lost time to the leading duo of Seixas and Izagirre. The breakaway’s dynamic kept the outcome uncertain until the final moments, as Aranburu and Johannessen tactically conserved energy before launching their decisive sprints. Christian Scaroni and Ion Izagirre chased hard but were unable to close the gap, highlighting the tactical depth and unpredictability of the race. Looking ahead, the penultimate stage promises to be the toughest test yet, featuring nearly 4,000 metres of climbing spread throughout the route. With the general classification still open and the terrain demanding, the race is set for another gripping contest. Seixas’ all-round capabilities and aggressive riding style suggest he will be a rider to watch as the race approaches its climax, while Aranburu’s local expertise and sprinting strength could continue to influence the battle for stage honours.