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Often a stage host during Itzulia Basque Country, in 2023 the region’s capital Vitoria-Gasteiz will host the race’s Grand Depart for the first time kicking off the 165.4km opener to Labastida to the south.
In a week of hilly stages, the first of them is the most sprinter-friendly of the lot, though even here there’s an uphill run to the line. Still, it’s a (relatively) gentle introduction to six days of hard and hilly racing.
Stage 2 is the longest of the 2023 race, measuring in at 193.8km with five climbs along the way from Viana to Leitza in the east of the region. The climbs of Etxauri (second category), Uitzi (third), Arkiskil from the west (third), and Saldas (second) lie on the road prior to a second ascent of Arkiskil from the east (11.km at 3.2%) and a 5km descent into Leitza – perfect for late attacks.
The third stage of the race from Errenteria to Vilabona straddles the Gipuzkoa coast and circles around Donostia before heading south, with plenty of sharp, steep climbs lining the latter half of the 153.9km stage. With a cluster of third-category classified climbs including Meagas, Andazarrate, Altzo (twice), and Orendain, and a steep uphill finish (with a final kilometre at 9.4%), it’s one for the GC contenders.
Part of the northern suburbs of Bilbao, Santurtzi hosts the start and finish of stage 4, with a big looping route to the south of the city taking in yet more hills along the 175.7km stage. Third-cat climbs of Malkuaru, Santa Koloma, and Bezi precede the finale at the second-category La Asturiana (7.4km at 6.5%), ahead of a 15km descent to the finish.
The race heads east again for the penultimate stage starting and finishing in Amorebieta and four more categorized hills to add to the list. Weary riders will battle over 165.9km of road…
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