- João Almeida wins the final stage of the Itzulia.
- João Almeida wins the 2025 Itzulia
- Enric Mas and Max Schachmann complete the podium.
We have reached the final stage of the 2025 Itzulia, with both the start and finish in Éibar. Ahead lay seven mountain passes and a fierce battle for the coveted txapela. At the start, the main favourites for the overall title appeared relaxed, all agreeing that nothing could be held back.
Twenty kilometres into the stage, the breakaway of the day was established, featuring 21 riders: Axel Laurance (IGD, 14), Bauke Mollema (LTK, 24), Finlay Pickering (TBV, 36), Ion Izagirre (COF, 52), Sergio Samitier (COF, 57), Bruno Armirail (DAT, 61), Callum Scotson (DAT, 66), Daniel Martinez (RBH, 72), Pablo Castrillo (MOV, 83), Gregor Mühlberger (MOV, 85), Ben Healy (EFE, 91), Jordan Jegat (TEN), 111 Warren Barguil (TPP), 115 Juan Guillermo Martinez (TPP), 122 Romain Grégoire (GFC, 106), Txomin Juaristi (EUS, 135), Louis Vervaeke (SOQ, 147), Unai Iribar (EKP, 166), Christopher Juul-Jensen (JAY, 176), Sepp Kuss (TVL, 202) and Marc Hirschi (TUD, 231).
The breakaway was kept in check by the team of the yellow jersey, which allowed a maximum gap of nearly three minutes to the front of the race. As the riders ascended Krabelin, no attacks came, with Daniel Martinez (RBH, 72), Ben Healy (EFE, 91), and Bruno Armirail (DAT, 61) at the front. On the descent towards Markina-Xemein, the latter pushed a relentless pace, extending his lead to one and a half minutes over the chasing group. Just 13 riders were left in the breakaway.
The leader of the mountains classification appeared in great form, consistently adding points to maintain the jersey. Before the first passage through Éibar, the breakaway reformed with eleven riders. The peloton held its position, unchanged. Marc Hirsch (TUD, 231) tried but was unable to maintain his lead over the rest of the breakaway
As the kilometres passed, UAE Team Emirates XRG’s relentless pace in the peloton began to close the gap to the breakaway. With 40 kilometres to go, the gap had been reduced to just one minute, with the climbs to Izua and Trabakua still to come.
After a harmless fall, Lipowitz swapped bikes, then did so again on the climb to Izua, losing a few seconds as the main group kept up a high pace to chase down the breakaway. Out front, Ben Healy (EFE, 91) continued to push a strong pace, holding a 52-second advantage.
Before Izua, João Almeida (UAD, 1) increased the pace, with only Enric Mas (MOV, 81) and Jordan Jegat (TEN, 106) able to follow his move. The yellow jersey rider pulled away, increasing his gap to the other favourites The Izua pass offered breathtaking scenes, as fans lined the route, cheering the riders on.
Ben Healy was caught by the group of leaders. On the descent of Trabakua, Mattias Skjelmose (LTK, 27) suffered a crash followed by a mechanical issue, effectively ending his chances for both the stage win and the general classification. Alex Aranburu, riding in an intermediate group, attempted to bridge the gap to the race leader. João Almeida was edging ever closer to securing his first txapela. Enric Mas fought for a podium place with Florian Lipowitz, who had lost time following a mechanical problem.
In the closing kilometres, Enric Mas and João Almeida reeled in Healy and Del Toro. The stage would be decided on the finishing straight. João Almeida won the stage and claimed his first Itzulia, marking the most significant stage victory of his career.
Enric Mas and Max Schachmann completed the podium positions.
Standings after Stage 6
Stage winner: Joao Almeida (UAD, 1)
Overall individual ranking: Joao Almeida (UAD, 1)
Mountain classification: Bruno Armirail (DAT, 61)
Overall points classification: Joao Almeida (UAD, 1)
Overall ranking best young rider: Isaac Del Toro (UAD, 4)
Overall team classification: Soudal Quick-Step
Overall ranking best Basque rider: Alex Aranburu (COF, 51)
Most combative: Bruno Armirail (DAT, 61)
