Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma has publicly named his favorite for the final stage of the 62nd edition, signaling a clear path to continued dominance. In the Basque Country race, he claimed a decisive victory on the final day with a solo effort that sealed his overall win, even as Mikel Landa of Bahrain Victorious pushed hard throughout the event but could not overtake on the decisive stage.
The Scandinavian rider has shown resilience in the heat in recent days, and the closing stage in Eibar confirmed him as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Itzulia Basque Country, which now adds Vingegaard to a list of winners that includes Primoz Roglic, Alberto Contador, and Alejandro Valverde, is a race where climbers and riders with punch in a sprint finish have historically altered the podium. This year’s final 137.8-kilometer course featured seven categorized climbs, creating a testing route that rewards bold attacks from far out.
An early break with a surge around 30 kilometers from the finish set the tone. The leader’s advantage hovered near a minute for much of the stretch, and as the group remaining behind reeled him in, Vingegaard demonstrated precise timing and composure in the closing meters to celebrate a hard-won triumph.
In second place on the stage stood James Knox of Soudal Quick-Step, 47 seconds behind the victor, while Ion Izagirre of Cofidis finished in third place. Izagirre benefited from four bonus seconds that helped him secure a place on the overall podium. The Gipuzkoan rider reflected a joyful mood at the finish, signaling the dynamic pace and tactical battles that defined the day’s racing.
ITZULIA 2023 WINNER
ZORIONAK JONAS Itzulia Basque Country posted on social media as the race concluded, recognizing the moment with fans and team supporters. This win continued a tradition of showcasing Basque cycling excellence as a proving ground for national pride and international talent.
Landa joined Vingegaard on the final podium, with Izagirre taking third place and a notable gap from the leaders. Fourth, fifth, and sixth were distributed among France’s David Gaudu, Spain’s Enric Mas, and Colombia’s Sergio Higuita, each finishing with times indicating the tight competitiveness of the overall standings.
Vingegaard’s victory arrives alongside a rising generation of cyclists like Tadej Pogacar, Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Remco Evenepoel, who continue to reshape cycling’s modern history with bold performances and relentless ambition.
The day’s drama featured a late move by Mas, who attacked in the late stages in an effort to bridge to the front but could not disrupt the race’s established order. The chase group responded with discipline, keeping the lead protected and allowing Landa to stay a threat while the Jumbo outfit maintained tactical superiority.
As the race unfolded, a nine-man escape initially formed, later expanding to a dozen riders. Daniel Martinez, the 2022 winner, and Steven Kruijswijk along with Attila Valter from Jumbo were among the leading contenders competing for positions near the front. The escape pace reduced as the climb near Arrate began, with Chaves and Kruijswijk, joined by teammates of Vingegaard, moving to the fore in a display of collective strength.
In a bold moment, a Swiss rider from Soudal Quick-Step launched a solo attack that briefly changed the dynamics, provoking concern within the Jumbo camp. The Dane responded decisively, illustrating his capacity to reclaim momentum and close gaps with powerful riding on the road where the finish was within sight. This performance echoed past exploits in the season that have helped cement his status among cycling’s elite.
The Basque leg of the season is a key indicator of what lies ahead for the sport. Vingegaard’s return to Basque racing underscores his intent to carry momentum into the Tour de France in July. Watching him ride with such authority against some of the sport’s strongest climbers signals a season that fans will remember for its relentless pace and dramatic finishes.
The final sentiments of the day reflected a rider who had delivered a display of control and confidence. While rivals like Pogacar loom large on the horizon, the win in Eibar represents a significant milestone that sets the stage for future clashes as the season progresses. The race will be recalled for the intensity of the battles, the strategic moves, and the way Vingegaard demonstrated his capacity to finish strongly when it mattered most.
In the end, the Basque Country crown stayed with a rider who has become a symbol of modern endurance and tactical acumen. His triumph on the final stage sent a message to the peloton that his form is not merely seasonal but a consistent force across races with demanding profiles and crowded fields. For fans and analysts alike, the moment in Basque Country will be remembered as a turning point that confirms Jonas Vingegaard as one of cycling’s genuine leaders for the current era, with expectation high for what comes next in a year of high-stakes racing.