A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders

Isaac del Toro enters the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country as a leading contender to secure his third WorldTour stage race victory of the season, following wins at Tirreno-Adriatico and the UAE Tour. The race’s brutally hilly profile, featuring five uphill finishes and a challenging opening time trial, suits Del Toro’s explosive climbing style, despite his relative weakness against the clock. With top rivals like Juan Ayuso, Primož Roglič, and Ion Izagirre also in contention, the unpredictable Basque terrain and potentially adverse weather promise a fiercely contested battle, where Del Toro’s form and team strength could prove decisive.