BizkaiaGipuzkoaArabaVitoria-GasteizLlanada AlavesaRioja AlavesaMontaña AlavesaValles AlavesesCantábrica AlavesaEstribaciones del GorbeaDonostialdeaBidasoaTolosaldeaGoierriUrola KostaDebagoienaDebabarrenaGran BilbaoDurangaldeaLea-ArtibaiBusturialdeaUribe KostaEnkarterriArratia-NerviónMungialdeaBizkaiaGipuzkoaArabaVitoria-GasteizLlanada AlavesaRioja AlavesaMontaña AlavesaValles AlavesesCantábrica AlavesaEstribaciones del GorbeaDonostialdeaBidasoaTolosaldeaGoierriUrola KostaDebagoienaDebabarrenaGran BilbaoDurangaldeaLea-ArtibaiBusturialdeaUribe KostaEnkarterriArratia-NerviónMungialdea
EU|ES|EN

Diario Euskadi

Paul Seixas, Youngest Itzulia Winner, and AJ August Claims Stage in Bergara

French cyclist Paul Seixas made history as the youngest winner of the Itzulia, while American AJ August secured the final stage victory in Bergara.

A cyclist's hand gripping handlebars, with a blurred background of a wet road and cheering spectators.
IA

A cyclist's hand gripping handlebars, with a blurred background of a wet road and cheering spectators.

French cyclist Paul Seixas has made history by becoming the youngest winner of the Itzulia at 19 years old, and American AJ August claimed victory in the final stage held in Bergara after a breakaway.

Paul Seixas, the young cyclist from the Decathlon team, has been the main protagonist of this Itzulia edition, achieving a historic victory. Many experts consider him a promising cyclist for the future, with some even comparing him to Tadej Pogacar. Seixas expressed his satisfaction with the triumph, his first in a World Tour event, and downplayed the comparisons. The podium was completed by Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility).
The final stage went to American AJ August (Ineos Grenadiers), following a large breakaway. Initially, a high-quality trio of cyclists including Marc Soler (UAD), Mattias Skjelmose (LTK), and Ben Healy (EFE) formed the escape, later joined by a chasing group of 32 riders, including five from the UNO-X Mobility team.
On the second ascent of Gorla, Romo attacked from the peloton, aiming to improve in the general and team classifications. This prompted movements among the favorites, with Lipowitz showing great activity. Izagirre managed to follow the initial attacks from the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider. The gap to the escapees narrowed as the peloton's pace increased, but Seixas remained strong throughout, holding his wheel in all attacks and solidifying his lead.
The race completely fragmented into groups. Soler received orders to join the chasing group to support Igor Arrieta. This group neutralized the two escapees with 23 kilometers remaining. On the final climb of the day, attacks to form the breakaway resumed. AJ August and Raul Garcia Pierna (MOV) opened a 15-second gap on other escapees. Seixas was unable to bridge the gap and lost time.
The stage was decided on the climb to Asentzio. With one kilometer to go, Garcia Pierna lost contact with the INEOS Grenadiers rider, and the Briton rode solo to the finish line in Bergara, raising his arms in victory.
Despite the adverse weather, with drizzle and rain, the warmth of the fans was notable along the roadsides, especially on the mountain passes and at the start and finish areas. Antzuola and Bergara had not hosted an Itzulia stage for many years, and the organizers expressed their satisfaction. It was a big day for the Lokatza team, as the stage was brought to the town to celebrate the association's 50th anniversary. Ion Unamuno, president of Lokatza, stated: "It has been a great day. It's been quite a few years since Pello Garitano and I started with this matter, and today was the finish line, with the help of Goizper as well. It has been beautiful, also for the young cyclists of the association. Seeing professional cyclists of this level in the town has been a reward for everyone".
The classification for the day's stage was as follows: 1. AJ August (Ineos Grenadiers), 2. Raul Garcia (Movistar Team) +00:16, 3. Frank van den Broek (Team Picnic PostNL) +00:34. In the general classification of the Itzulia 2026, Paul Seixas (Decathlon) was the winner, followed by Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility). Ion Izagirre (Cofidis) also featured in the general classification. The best team was Movistar Team, and the most combative rider was Mattias Skjelmose.

Related News