Day 4 of the Itzulia Basque Country delivered another thrilling chapter in the 2026 UCI WorldTour race, as riders tackled a punishing 167.2 km stage around Galdakao featuring relentless climbing and tactical battles. With seven categorized climbs and over 3,000 meters of elevation, the stage tested endurance, strategy, and climbing strength on the demanding Basque terrain.
Spain’s Alex Aranburu emerged victorious after a powerful performance on the hilly course, timing his effort perfectly to claim the stage win ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen and Christian Scaroni. The Cofidis rider capitalized on the selective terrain and late attacks to secure a memorable victory on home roads.
The stage unfolded at an aggressive pace, with multiple breakaway attempts shaping the race early on. The constant climbs fragmented the peloton, forcing general classification contenders to remain alert throughout. The uphill finish provided the ideal launchpad for decisive moves, with riders pushing the limits in the closing kilometers.
Despite the stage result, the general classification battle remains tightly contested. Earlier leader Paul Seixas, who has been one of the revelations of the race, continues to hold a strong position despite mounting pressure from experienced contenders such as Primož Roglič and other GC hopefuls.
The 2026 edition of Itzulia has already been marked by high intensity and unpredictability, with crashes, attacks, and shifting dynamics influencing the standings. The absence of some top names has opened the door for emerging talents to challenge for overall victory, adding further intrigue to the race.
As the race heads into the decisive stages, including the demanding queen stage, the fight for the overall title remains wide open. With minimal time gaps and increasingly difficult terrain ahead, every second will count in what is shaping up to be a gripping conclusion to the Basque Country’s premier cycling event.
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