Basauri, the Bizkaia town, has fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of many of its inhabitants and the municipal corporation. Two years after the town hosted a women's Itzulia stage finish, this Wednesday it was the men's turn, ascending a few more meters to the upper part of the town, in the Basozelai neighborhood, next to the now-defunct Basconia field, which has been converted into several blocks of housing.

Under a scorching sun, hundreds of residents of the Bizkaia town brought color to the town's hillsides from early morning, much to the cyclists' suffering. Already at the signature control, it was clear that this was no ordinary day for Basauri, unaccustomed to hosting similar events. Perhaps for this reason, the town poured into the streets to enjoy a day that had it all: emotion, good weather, and an excellent atmosphere.

Including a 'kalejira' (street parade) from the Social theater to the upper part of the town, led by Kurrus and his son Unai, the neighborhood association of Basozelai did not miss the opportunity to offer a very special day to its residents. Amidst music, 'talos' (corn tortillas), and cider, there was also time for a mosaic to be created with the emblem of Basauri.

All this transpired while Axel Laurance and Igor Arrieta battled it out to win the stage. There was no Basque victory, as the Frenchman narrowly beat him by a few centimeters in the tight final sprint. Only that victory was missing for the day to be completely perfect, but it will be remembered that Basauri experienced a great celebration thanks to the Itzulia.

Surely, one of the people who most regretted Arrieta's failure to win was his team director, Josean Fernández Matxin. The UAE director was a prophet in his own land on a day when he received the affection and tribute from the town where he was born and spent his youth. In fact, the race ended very close to where he lived as a young man, as it was Matxin himself who, in agreement with the City Council and the race organizers, shaped the final kilometers of the stage.

Taking advantage of the fact that the men's Itzulia was ending in Basauri for the first time, the City Council wanted to pay a small tribute to one of its most illustrious residents connected to sports. This homage included his mother, Manoli, and his father, Antonio, who surprised their son during the signature control.

There, in a central square of the town, Asier Iragorri, the mayor, and Jon Zugazagoitia, the sports councilor, presented a trophy and a jersey to the director of the best cycling team in the world, which includes Tadej Pogacar in its ranks.

The trophy, which included a representative element of Basauri, bore the message: “Eskerrik asko Josean Fernández Matxin. Basaurik maite zaitu eta zutaz harro dago. Basauri te quiere y está orgulloso de ti” (Thank you Josean Fernández Matxin. Basauri loves you and is proud of you). Additionally, he received an Itzulia jersey with several signatures. Although he was left with a bittersweet feeling due to his rider Igor Arrieta's second place, Matxin will forever remember a day that was very special for him personally and for all of Basauri.