Rubén Berasategi, cycling specialist for Cope Euskadi, has analyzed the key aspects of these final days. He emphasizes that even though the time gaps in the general classification are very narrow, the effort expended by the riders has been maximum, which will significantly influence the outcome.
Yesterday's stage followed the typical script of an Itzulia day, featuring a demanding final circuit that included the Vivero climb. Berasategi notes that the breakaway, allowed by the leader's team, was of a high caliber, as expected in a World Tour event. On the climbs, the Bora team tested the leader, Seixas, who responded perfectly to all attacks. While the breakaway riders, Álex Aranburu and Tobías Johannessen, battled for the stage victory, Seixas himself animated the race from behind, showcasing his strength.
“"The wear and tear was terrible."
Today's stage brings back the classic Arrate climb, traditionally held on Saturdays. According to Berasategi, all indications suggest that the battle will ignite on the ascent to Arrate from the other side, a short but steep climb with gradients exceeding 20%. "That's where the race will really kick off," he predicts.
For Saturday, the organizers have prepared a new variation with a finish in Arrasate, incorporating the Gorla and Asencio climbs. Berasategi describes it as "a very interesting stage" and adds that attention should be paid to the result: "we will see what it brings and if it's suitable for repetition in the future".
It's a very interesting stage, and we'll see what it brings.
Regarding the general classification, the Cope Euskadi expert believes that the podium is still to be decided. Concerning the overall winner, he considers that Paul Seixas has demonstrated great consistency and, "barring a major misfortune," will claim victory "with full merit".
