As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country

Paul Seixas secured a landmark victory on the opening stage of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, winning the individual time trial and claiming the leader’s yellow jersey. His performance was emphatic, finishing 23 seconds ahead of nearest rival Kévin Vauquelin, a margin that underscored his prowess against the clock. This breakthrough win marks a significant milestone in Seixas’s burgeoning career, confirming his status as a formidable all-rounder and a serious contender for the overall classification. The time trial course, set in Bilbao with its iconic Guggenheim Museum as a backdrop, proved challenging and decisive. Several pre-race favourites struggled to match Seixas’s pace, including Juan Ayuso, who finished a disappointing 38th, over a minute behind the winner. Ayuso’s performance raised questions about his recovery from a recent crash that forced him to abandon Paris-Nice, leaving his general classification hopes in jeopardy. Meanwhile, other notable riders such as Isaac Del Toro and Cian Uijtdebroeks also lost valuable time, setting the stage for a fiercely contested week ahead. Teams with strong climbing and time trial capabilities, notably Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe, demonstrated their potential to challenge Seixas’s lead. Primož Roglič and Lipowitz finished within striking distance, fourth and sixth respectively, suggesting that tactical teamwork could play a crucial role in the mountainous stages to come. The Decathlon team, which supports Seixas, now faces the task of defending his advantage, particularly on the upcoming hilly terrain where the leader could be vulnerable. The opening stage has already reshaped the general classification landscape, with younger talents and established riders alike needing to recalibrate their strategies. Seixas’s commanding win has set a high bar, but the varied route and demanding climbs ahead promise an unpredictable contest. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the race unfolds, particularly to see if Seixas can maintain his form and if rivals like Vauquelin and Roglič can mount a challenge in the Basque Country’s rugged terrain.