- Stage six of the 2026 Itzulia will start at Goizper’s facilities in Antzuola and finish in Bergara.
- A loop stage featuring two passes through Gorla, covering a distance of 133.8 km.
Today, it was announced in Bergara that the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country will conclude in the municipality, with a stage starting from Goizper in Antzuola. The route will cover 133.7 kilometres, with an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 metres. The route forms a circuit, featuring two passes through Gorla and Azkarate, as well as the climb to Asentzio via two separate slopes.
The announcement was made at an event attended by representatives from the municipalities of Bergara and Antzuola, the company Goizper, Lokatza ZE, and OCETA president Javier Riaño.
The stage from Antzuola to Bergara will include six mountain passes:
- Asentzio (Category 3)
- Gorla (Category 2)
- Azkarate (Category 3)
- Gorla (Category 2)
- Azkarate (Category 3)
- Asentzio (Category 2)
And will finish in the centre of Bergara, on Matxiategi Street.
Gorka Artola, mayor of Bergara, spoke about the significance of hosting such an event. “The Itzulia provides not just a world-class cycling spectacle, but also a strong platform for showcasing our country. Bergara and the surrounding villages are renowned for their love of cycling. I have no doubt the streets will be buzzing, creating an incredible atmosphere and a unique momentum for the Itzulia.”
The mayoress of Antzuola, Olatz Lezeta, noted that “this will allow Basque citizens to get to know Antzuola. A few years ago, thanks to Iñaki Lete, the Itzulia began in Antzuola, leaving a memory that still lingers with the young people who experienced it.”
Iñaki Madina, CEO of Goizper Group, explained the rationale behind this collaboration. “Goizper is an international industrial company that originated in the town. In line with our cooperative origins and values, we participate in initiatives that support and promote the communities we come from. In today’s social sphere, which includes sport, cycling is deeply rooted among our co-workers, in our town, and in Basque culture. As taking part in the Itzulia moves us deeply, we believe it is a great opportunity both for Goizper and for the entire population of Antzuola. We even presented our wish to participate to the Assembly and, after receiving its full support, we are looking forward to help organise it.”
Ion Unamuno, from Lokatza ZE, commented: ‘Years have passed since the late Pello Garitano and I started this wonderful project, which, thanks to the collaboration of many people, is now close to fruition. As a cycling school, we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary with something special, which we hope everyone will enjoy.”
Javier Riaño, president of OCETA, closed the event by reviewing the route and commenting: “The Itzulia must change its format and try new things, giving other locations the opportunity to serve as the start or finish line. Including Bergara is a major incentive for the race, from both a sporting and social perspective.” Adding that: “with a company such as Goizper Group seeking to be part of a stage shows that we are on the right track.”
With this confirmation, Bergara will be the final stage of the 2026 edition of the Itzulia Basque Country. The 2026 stage will mark the return of an official finish line to Bergara after more than two decades.
About Goizper Group
Goizper Group is a cooperative founded in 1959 in Antzuola. It consists of various industrial divisions and technology companies that develop solutions in sectors such as power transmission, pulverisation, and biotechnology. The organisation maintains a cooperative model with an international presence, and its headquarters will serve as the starting point for the final stage of the 2026 Itzulia.
Historical context: the Itzulia and Bergara
Bergara has featured on the route of the Itzulia and the former Euskal Bizikleta on several occasions.
- Last arrival at and departure from Bergara: April 5 and 6, 2004, during the Itzulia Basque Country.
- Stage 1: Bergara › Bergara (139 km).
- Stage 2: Bergara › Zalla.
- Since the Euskal Bizikleta merged with the Itzulia in 2009, the race has not started or finished in Bergara, though it has passed through nearby areas in several later editions.
- In 2026, Lokatza ZE celebrates 50 years since it was established.
