{"id":117284,"date":"2026-04-06T14:16:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T14:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/06\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-paul-seixas-smashes-primoz-roglics-time-in-time-trial-opener\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T14:16:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T14:16:54","slug":"itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-paul-seixas-smashes-primoz-roglics-time-in-time-trial-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/06\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-paul-seixas-smashes-primoz-roglics-time-in-time-trial-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Itzulia Basque Country stage 1 LIVE &#8211; Paul Seixas smashes Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time in time trial opener"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p>Refresh <i class=\"fa fa-refresh\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:16:54+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:16:54.281Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eb0e9bd8-4354-4e45-b57e-c6648695a41e\">Whatever else happens today, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s remarkable record of having won the time trial stage in all five of the Itzulia Basque Country editions he has competed in during his career has come to an end. The Slovenian still looks strong, but couldn\u2019t compete with the teenager today, in what feels like a passing-of-the-baton moment.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-30da830b-7c7b-4845-a5d0-450fb9cbd0c2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:71.68%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6B2PZoC3uNwZprHFMPVyLD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:10:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:10:26.000Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-83aa1033-58bf-4a1d-8e44-6b35ed7b00d2\">If Seixas is to win today, it\u2019d be only the third of his career, and a first at World Tour level. The Frenchman is improving at such a rapid rate there\u2019s no telling what he might do this week in the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:08:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:08:15.426Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-827feeff-476c-4658-add6-b48acee1dc72\">Paul Seixas, the leader in the clubhouse.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-7d1ed1db-25ea-4f26-a9d1-31dc4ae4f8e3\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 06: Paul Seixas of France and Team Decathlon CMA CGM competes during the 65th Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 1 a 13.8km individual time trial stage from Bilbao to Bilbao \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 06, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Yu8FfueLi59MxA2QvpWoS.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:07:17+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:07:17.897Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d119f1f5-c758-4d20-b7fd-062675889425\">Julian Alaphilippe is off. As ever we can anticipate an animated race by the Frenchman, though more likely in the road stages rather than today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:01:18+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:01:18.625Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ab91309-3cd3-4b56-b716-ad8161db04b1\">This has been a front-loaded time trial, with many of the big names having set off already. There\u2019s a little while before the next major contenders get going, but we still have Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso to come. Paul Seixas\u2019s is a very strong-looking time, but he doesn\u2019t have the victory sealed yet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T14:00:01.254Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2de817cc-1641-4919-a7f7-00acfefdd9b0\">A very good ride by Michael Leonard sees him set the fifth best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:50:36+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:50:36.584Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0faf1b80-4e56-4579-9cf4-7458a1585f34\">Next Mattias Skjelmose finishes, with the fourth best time, 45 seconds off Seixas. He could give Lidl a second GC option, along with their main leader Juan Ayuso.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:49:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:49:35.651Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68faf3ec-a13b-4c66-a9a4-64e47477197c\">Now Florian Lipowitz finishes. That&#8217;s also a great ride, enough for third, but it pales in comparison to Seixas&#8217;, which was a whole 33 seconds faster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:48:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:48:08.186Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-paul-seixas\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-paul-seixas\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PAUL SEIXAS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18c28898-b3e7-4bff-81e5-1bb3aad065f0\">What an extraorindary ride by Paul Seixas &#8211; he&#8217;s just beaten by Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time by an enormous 28 seconds!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:29+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:29.209Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-538cceed-2f80-423f-a183-906867a967ee\">Here comes Seixas on the final climb &#8211; and he&#8217;s on course to smash the best time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:46:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:46:08.742Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-420c55f9-31c0-4091-b6c2-a1e3c04f23a4\">A very good time for Javier Romo, who is second best at the finish. He&#8217;s another one who finished very strongly, actually completing the final part quicker than Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:55.050Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-561bf38c-c098-4195-988e-8c58f04eebab\">Antoni Tiberi has just finished, and is way down in 17th. It seems he doesn\u2019t have the form to compete for the overall victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:43:16+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:43:16.697Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-810a967a-80a2-4824-914a-b53b82630fcc\">Armirail, on his way to posting what remains the second fastest time at the finish.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-1fc7391d-88f4-4305-a6be-c0c11f6bd335\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 06: Bruno Armirail of France and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the 65th Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 1 a 13.8km individual time trial stage from Bilbao to Bilbao \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 06, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wUp83gtr5zwwxsHd8d88zQ.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:41:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:41:06.038Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-804fb908-7696-4484-9e35-a4d1c952c5e0\">Alex Baudin has just set the 5th best time at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:40:33+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:40:33.726Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a99db11-a929-4dd5-ae7a-620001033f5e\">With its long descent and nasty steep finish, this is a hard course to pace yourself for, especially for an inexperienced rider like Seixas. You need to have a lot left in the tank to speed up the final steep gradients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:39:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:39:26.587Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c700a1f1-721a-423e-8e53-7c9310acf04d\">That lead has been reduced to 12 seconds by Lipowitz, who has just gone through the second check, but that&#8217;s still a huge lead for the young Frenchman. The question now is whether he can keep this up for the second half of the course.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:38:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:38:19.840Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c0ea715-2556-4004-be1c-dfc129b54356\">Wow! Seixas is on a monster rise. He&#8217;s just smashed the previous best time of Riccitello by a whole 14 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:37:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:37:27.909Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd99fcf2-aaac-4da5-9baf-1be36588e42a\">Lipowitz is also through that first check with a good time, the fifth fastest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:36:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:36:57.022Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5e09c027-71e8-4a31-ac2f-3cec9a21da17\">Seixas is quickest at the first time check!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:35:46+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:35:46.554Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfb524ca-7433-4e51-a2ab-62a7e0e0a86e\">Bruno Armirail has just finished very strongly, rising from 10th best at the 2nd check to 2nd best at the finish. But he&#8217;s still 22 seconds down on Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:39.967Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7333aba5-5dee-4009-97de-44d421ef9148\">Florian Lipowitz is on the course. How will he compare to his teammate, and potential GC co-leader, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:34:04+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:34:04.297Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-474276e8-607e-44fb-a17f-a9b7cd7bd983\">Maxime Decomble is climbing to the finish, but must have crashed at some point as there are a couple of nasty tears in his jersey shorts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:31:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:31:48.367Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cf29ad59-bfb0-406e-b253-d6c981ed463f\">A very interesting moment now &#8211; Paul Seixas rolls off the ramp! The French sensation appears to include time trialling among the many things he can already do to an elite level, having posted the fourth best time at the Volta ao Algarve stage earlier this year. On a hilly course like this, he might be in contention for the stage victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:30:10+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:30:10.899Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-46a559e1-6a30-462d-9e8b-5d1158c57fa9\">Riccitello slowed down a lot in the second half of the course, going from quickest at the second check to fifth at the finish, 30 seconds behind Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The long descent and sharp kick to the finish seems to be having a big impact, with both Riccitello and Johannessen losing lots of ground there.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:28:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:28:15.477Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-258871ed-4eea-4862-b835-a1f834bf94f0\">Ben Tulett, on his way to the second best time of the day so far.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-5eb3d41b-2e76-49ef-b78e-3aa45bc230aa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 06: Ben Tulett of Great Britain and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the 65th Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 1 a 13.8km individual time trial stage from Bilbao to Bilbao \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 06, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zruC2vfoqCEP6XpprKwXCM.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:24:32+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:24:32.773Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b43cf1a2-b875-490c-949b-e594bcd751a1\">Bauke Mollema was quickest at the first time check, but faded all the way down to 20th at the second It seems he must have targetted the KOM points on offer for the fastest time at the first check, and has since knocked off the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:21:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:21:15.714Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0b461e3f-6414-4e4c-abe9-38c3f8c585f6\">He has indeed, finishing third fastest, 25 seconds slower than the best time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:20:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:20:27.248Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6482f214-59cc-41de-a85f-e914c5d73ff0\">Bilbao is climbing to the finish, and looking like he&#8217;s finishing strongly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:18:24+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:18:24.506Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f06f576f-6dc8-47d1-9f61-149d3d135665\">The current leader at the clubhouse, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-261ef1ac-f2cd-4cfd-b9ec-acead949987b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 06: Primoz Roglic of Slovenia and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the 65th Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 1 a 13.8km individual time trial stage from Bilbao to Bilbao \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 06, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6vbR66de8EUkpp77hB8bqU.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:17:57+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:17:57.160Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d468917-174c-4fd8-893b-4b38e775f80c\">Ben Healy came home 6th fastest, 45 seconds slower than Rogli\u010d. That&#8217;s a hefty chunk already, if he has GC ambitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:16:19+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:16:19.730Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-511326a3-961d-4d67-8b84-635c04d19603\">Matthew Riccitello is on a flyer &#8211; he&#8217;s set the new best time at the second check, quicker even than Rogli\u010d, albeit it by one one second.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:14:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:14:12.383Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ed834bb0-2603-4e14-b2bd-c27204d57dde\">Tulett also can&#8217;t challenge Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time &#8211; he&#8217;s quicker than Johanessen, but a distant 24 seconds off the Slovenian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:13:26+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:13:26.268Z<\/time><\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\" id=\"elk-47febfdb-a835-41ee-908c-d67a5151fedf\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1024px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\"> <picture data-new-v2-image=\"true\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 06: Ion Izagirre of Spain and Team Cofidis competes during the 65th Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 1 a 13.8km individual time trial stage from Bilbao to Bilbao \/ #UCIWT \/ on April 06, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK-320-80.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sXMhcT2cRwUgSmMrW3tCUK.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:12:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:12:08.916Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c61cc31d-fb00-400a-ba5c-851a3d374374\">No, as he&#8217;s not even close! He lost a lot of time in the second half of the route and finishes 29 seconds down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:11:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:11:27.627Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6454f91e-28b2-489d-9ef6-bb1b0dd8a811\">Johannessen is climbing the final rise to the finish, will he beat Rogli\u010d?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:08:31+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:08:31.846Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-dfdb76f4-456b-4dff-9541-80cc963e2de2\">Prior to Rogli\u010d, Beloki was the only rider to come within 20 seconds of Izagirre\u2019s time. The Slovenian is on a whole other level so far &#8211; but how will Johannessen fare?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:07:02+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:07:02.670Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-primoz-roglic\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-primoz-roglic\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; PRIMOZ ROGLIC<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-ce7d35cf-d1fc-4535-b3ce-7f0112c947d1\">Rogli\u010d has smashed Izagirre&#8217;s time! He&#8217;s a whole 33 seconds quicker at the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:05:55+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:05:55.573Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280da892-debd-46d4-b6c5-af662e753e55\">Pello Bilbao, who shares a name with the location today, is off on the road. He\u2019s another home favourite but does he still have the legs to compete for overall victory here? Today\u2019s time trial will tell us a lot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:04:38+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:04:38.872Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cd64ac16-4bc9-4549-8257-30b7e99e1151\">Ben Tulett is looking good too, just three seconds off Rogli\u010d at the second check. He\u2019s likely to be be Visma-Lease a Bike\u2019s GC leader this week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:02:27+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:02:27.242Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-280fd115-38c5-4221-b8ff-eab39b8c82f7\">Johannessen has slowed a little, and is one second down on Rogli\u010d at the second check. There&#8217;s still plenty of road to be run from there until the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:01:14+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:01:14.484Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce4e9e6c-5c05-41ae-8e78-ee10d6729560\">Johannessen is looking very good &#8211; he&#8217;s just bettered Rogli\u010d&#8217;s time at the first check by one second! Can he keep up this pace?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T13:00:01+00:00\">2026-04-06T13:00:01.923Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ce48723f-eab9-4837-86b3-69f6061df0d0\">The big names are starting to come thick and fast already. The in-form Tobias Halland Johannessen has started his ride, as has Irish star Ben Healy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:58:15+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:58:15.179Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-new-fastest-time-ion-izagirre\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-new-fastest-time-ion-izagirre\"><span>NEW FASTEST TIME &#8211; ION IZAGIRRE<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-0ce6d98d-bd50-4760-8825-cea00d46d9a4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The first few riders have finished &#8211; and Ion Izagirre is quickest among them! He sped up in the final part of the course significantly, to complete it in a time of 18:10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:55:28+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:55:28.664Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-49a72681-32ed-4d89-af2b-9ef23cd67410\">And Rogli\u010d has increased his advantage at the second time check, 12 seconds faster than the former leader Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:54:48+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:54:48.173Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4384a966-0c88-475f-a25c-bb65e0829bd9\">As expected, Rogli\u010d is posts a new best time at the first check, a whole 7 seconds faster than Mintegi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:53:45+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:53:45.075Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfdcc826-4708-412c-add7-7e751d76277a\">Rogli\u010d was one of the men we picked out as the top contenders for overall victory this week. Have a full read of our analysis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/a-third-worldtour-stage-race-in-2026-for-isaac-del-toro-analysing-the-itzulia-basque-country-contenders\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/a-third-worldtour-stage-race-in-2026-for-isaac-del-toro-analysing-the-itzulia-basque-country-contenders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:48:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:48:59.812Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2e9ffe0-a5ff-4974-ab0f-8d5c28c2a9bc\">Ion Izagirre is through the first two checks, and isn\u2019t going as fast as expected. He\u2019s only fourth fastest at the second, 10 seconds down on Beloki.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:47:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:47:39.906Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f4e9a16-f2e4-4462-9f6a-7bfda62556c1\">Here goes Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d! The two-time former winner of this race will want a big time today to prove his credentials as a GC contender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:46:34+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:46:34.013Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c4f32b17-ef80-4bdf-bbd4-50cda9fad918\">It\u2019s a hot day in Bilbao today, with temperatures nearly 30 degrees. There\u2019s no sign the results will be shaped by varying weather conditions, with no threat of rain falling at any point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:45:07+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:45:07.402Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40babf1a-9bbb-4245-bba6-15b45fd9475c\">Young Markel Beloki is the early pace-setter at the second check, posting a time of 7:53, 6 seconds quicker than Filippo Fiorelli, and 7 seconds quicker than Iker Mintegi, who&#8217;s time was quickest at the first check.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:42:50+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:42:50.125Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a1e8c190-3ac8-45a0-8a42-a53266360d1e\">There are two intermediate points on the route today &#8211; the first at the top of the climb, the Alto Santo Domingo, that comes just a few kilometres into the route, and the second just a few kilometres later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:40:12+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:40:12.813Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2eeaccbc-e243-4fa6-addf-69e62ace2dd5\">Izagirre is off now!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:37:09+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:37:09.623Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d6bc0746-825a-4396-9dab-21b54d3d4f13\">We won\u2019t have to wait long until a first big name. Ion Izagirre will be the eighth rider to start, a former winner of this race from 2019, and in fine form <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/gp-miguel-indurain-ion-izagirre-drops-quinn-simmons-to-claim-his-third-victory-in-the-last-year-of-his-pro-career\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/gp-miguel-indurain-ion-izagirre-drops-quinn-simmons-to-claim-his-third-victory-in-the-last-year-of-his-pro-career\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">having only just won the GP Miguel Indurain.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:34:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:34:59.919Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bced9239-e5e9-4c2b-8ab9-eb72d414251e\">The riders are setting off at one minute intervals, until the final 21 riders, between him will be two minutes each.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:31:39+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:31:39.420Z<\/time><br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-official-start\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-official-start\"><span>OFFICIAL START<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-18d09f43-9c4e-4ea7-9306-796476955e76\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">And they&#8217;re off! Georg Zimmermann rolls off the start ramp to get this time trial opening of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country underway.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:28:08+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:28:08.416Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8997d9-42e0-4c0a-a76c-0a477799a0c9\">As for the biggest names &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d is off nice and early, at 14:46, the much-hyped Paul Seixas at 15:29, and top GC contenders Juan Ayuso will be 17:15, and Isaac del Toro 17:17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:23:06+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:23:06.559Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-038bdb1f-737f-48ff-8e69-9ea973f30ff9\">Here&#8217;s the full of start times, with home favourite Mikel Landa last off at 17:23 local time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/itzulia-basque-country-2026-stage-1-time-trial-start-times\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/itzulia-basque-country-2026-stage-1-time-trial-start-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:20:43+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:20:43.049Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ab3ecd58-94c1-4c60-b2ac-648b619c80da\">The first rider, Georg Zimmermann, will set off in about ten minutes, at 14:20 local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:16:58+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:16:58.879Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-7e3808c0-d362-41b1-b72d-ae4bdf415157\">Not today, however &#8211; the race will begin with an Individual Time Trial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">While there is a small rise for the first few kilometres of the course, the rest is either downhill or flat before a minor uphill to the finish, meaning this is a chance for the more powerful GC contenders to gain an early advantage in the race for overall victory.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<aside id=\"seasonal_0\" class=\"hawk-root\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:14:59+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:14:59.298Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d0c8f5b6-cc70-4e25-8984-bd578abccda3\">This race is all about climbers and puncheurs, held in terrain with barely a flat stretch of road and steep hills lying around seemingly every corner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:11:35+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:11:35.663Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79b1ff0d-5fb2-43ea-858a-dc9eb058a696\">After the thrills and spills of the Tour of Flanders yesterday, it\u2019s time for something very different before the classics resume with Paris-Roubaix. The World Tour continues, but away from the cobbled bergs of Flanders, and instead inside another of cycling\u2019s heartlands &#8211; the Basque Country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<time class=\"no-wrap live-feed-date\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T12:07:00+00:00\">2026-04-06T12:07:00.888Z<\/time><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-771e56e2-6480-4930-87ca-a3f5bde56465\">Hello and welcome to stage one of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" style=\"--text-on-accent-color: white; --comment-widget-header-bg-color: var(--accent-color); --comment-widget-header-text-color: var(--text-on-accent-color); --comment-widget-header-link-color: var(--text-on-accent-color);\" x-data=\"ViafouraComments('300px')\" x-show=\"$store.Viafoura.showWidgets\" data-nosnippet=\"\" data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=\" vfcustom-community-guidelines=\"\" follow=\"\" our=\"\" href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community\" guidelines=\"\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\" x-show=\"showConfirmDisplayNamePrompt\" x-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<p><button x-on:click=\"$store.ViafouraAuthModal.logout()\" type=\"button\" class=\"block mb-3 w-full justify-center px-3 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white shadow-sm button-primary\"><br \/>\nLogout<br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/itzulia-basque-country-stage-1-live-world-tour-stage-race-begins-with-time-trial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Refresh 2026-04-06T14:16:54.281Z Whatever else happens today, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d\u2019s remarkable record of having won the time trial stage in all five of the Itzulia Basque Country editions he has competed in during his career has come to an end. The Slovenian still looks strong, but couldn\u2019t compete with the teenager today, in what feels like a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":117285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117284"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117284"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117284\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/basketball.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}