- The Itzulia celebrates 100 years since its first edition.
- The 63rd edition of the Itzulia will feature the best cyclists in the international peloton.
- Jonas Vingegaard to defend his title from last year.
- Presentation of new jersey designs.
The official presentation of the Itzulia Basque Country 2024 took place today at the Ficoba, Irun. The event was attended by Cristina Laborda, Mayoress of Irun; Gorka Iturriaga, Director of Physical Activity and Sport at the Basque Government; Itziar Mahave, Director of the Northern Territorial Commercial Network of Banco Sabadell; and Marta Pastor, Sports Director at the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa; Iratxe Gañan, Marketing, Brand and Communication at TotalEnergies; Mikel Arrillaga, Head of Brands and Markets at HAZI among others.
Cristina Laborda, mayoress of Irun, commented at the presentation that, “this is a very special year for the Itzulia. We are going to celebrate the centenary of the race and Irun has the privilege of hosting the start. We are on the verge of one of the most important international cycling events and the city is more than ready thanks to the work and involvement of many people. I am sure we will experience a stage replete with history, nature and a lot of emotion”.
Given the presence of local councils, institutions, sponsors and friends of the race, Julian Eraso took the opportunity to “thank everyone for their support, without which the race would not be possible. Thanks to all those who help us, believe in the Itzulia and love cycling, the Itzulia celebrates 100 years since its first edition. It’s a very special year and we are expecting another great show as we have become accustomed.
Itziar Mahave of Banco Sabadell commented “Banco Sabadell began its collaboration with Itzulia in 2012. Year after year, for 13 years, our brand has been associated with this sporting event. For Banco Sabadell being part of the Itzulia is a source of real pride and a sense of privilege, as it provides us with an opportunity to play a leading role in a sporting event that is so deeply rooted in the territory, and demonstrate our commitment to the sport and its fans”.
The Director of Physical Activity and Sport, Gorka Iturriaga, stressed that the Itzulia Basque Country is “an unmissable event on the international cycling calendar, which places us in the global spotlight. The Itzulia Basque Country is an opportunity to show the world a Country that experiences cycling in a special and unique manner. If there is one thing we are known for in the cycling world, it is our passion. And the excellent work put in by Basque cyclists over the years in the international peloton. Now we have another opportunity to fill our roads, cities and mountain passes and cheer the peloton, as only our fans know how”.
The Director of Sports of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Marta Pastor, highlighted the importance of this event for our territory, “The Itzulia is not only an internationally renowned cycling race, but also an event that puts us on the map of world of cycling. Moreover, we have one of the best fan bases in the world, for whom the cyclists always show their gratitude and admiration,” stated Álvarez. “The Itzulia Basque Country 2024 is a unique opportunity to show the world the cultural and sporting wealth of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Country.
Iratxe Gañan, from TotalEnergies, the main sponsor of the event, expressed the commitment of the company – which markets electricity, gas and services – to the Itzulia, this being the third edition it has participated in. On all three occasions, the race also enjoyed the participation of Team TotalEnergies. “If there is one thing that identifies us in our social activity, it is our passion for sport. Cycling is part of our DNA, and we collaborate with races as important as the Itzulia, the San Sebastian Classic or the Vuelta a Asturias. To be honest, we are good at cycling, and I think that’s something we share with Basque fans,” he said. In this sense Gañán explained that the Basque Country is a strategic area for the multi-energy company, with more than half a million contracts in the region, as well as customer service offices in Bilbao, Barakaldo, Vitoria and Donosti.
Jose Manuel Echarri CEO of Transportes Echemar commented, “As a Basque company, we understand the importance of participating in and supporting these sporting events that are a good reflection on our territory. In turn, our company provides not only trucks but also support to the organisation. As noted, the presence of our electric truck will be a first for a sporting event of this calibre.”
Dressing the champions
Gobik will once again dress the winners of the Itzulia. The 2024 edition includes four designs, the yellow jersey for the winner sponsored by Banco Sabadell, the mountain jersey (Eusko Label), the consistency jersey (Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa) and the best young rider jersey (Euskadi Basque Country).
This year, Gobik is offering a commemorative 100th-anniversary jersey for sale so that fans can wear the history of the Itzulia.
Six stages of the world’s best cycling
The Itzulia Basque Country 2024 will be held from 1-6 April between Irun and Eibar, over a total of six stages. The 63rd edition of the race will visit the towns of Irun, Kanbo, Ezpeleta, Altsasu, Etxarri Aranatz, Legutio, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Amorebieta-Etxano and Éibar, covering 833.6 kilometres.
Cyclists such as the reigning Itzulia champion Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma), and Olympic champion Richard Carapaz (EF Education – Easypost) are expected to line up at the start in Irun on 1 April and be joined by: Mikel Landa y Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), Primoz Roglic (Bora-Hansgrohe), Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team), David Gaudu (Groupama-FDF), Adam Yates and Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), Thomas Pidcock y Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers), Ion and Gorka Izagirre (Cofidis), Peio Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious), David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), Simon Yates (Team Jayco Alula) amongst others.
Following its success last year, a second edition of the Itzulia bicycle touring event will take place on 7 April. Participants can again experience what it feels like to ride a World Tour-class event. There will be two routes, the first of which will be the same as the one ridden by the professionals in the main stage of the Itzulia. This route will be 137.8 kilometres long, with more than 3,600 metres of elevation gain. The riders will be put to the test on this tough route with its 7 mountain passes. The second, the Medium-distance, will be 80.6 km long and feature 2100 m of elevation gain, with 4 mountain passes, two of which are category 1, one is category 2 and the other category 2.
