Mikel Lopetegi, at 29 years old, is the clear favorite to secure his eighth victory in the Gipuzkoa Small Stone Championship. The event is scheduled for this Saturday at the Aia probaleku, starting at 5:00 PM.

Following the withdrawal of Paulo Azpiazu, Beñat Telleria emerges as Lopetegi's main rival. Additionally, three young debutants from the fertile Zarautz quarry will compete: Oier Azpeitia (20 years old), Aratz Zubeldia (21 years old), and Xuban Zumeta (29 years old).

Among these newcomers, Oier Azpeitia finished second in the previous Euskal Herria Kintopekos Championship, while Aratz Zubeldia secured third place, highlighting the strength of the Zarautz youth academy.

On the same day and at the same venue, the Gipuzkoa Women's Stone Lifting Championship for the under-21 category will also take place. Three young women from Zarautz will be in contention: Maddi Gesalaga, Naroa Arruti, and Maddi Salterain, who is only fifteen years old. Gesalaga won last year's edition, lifting a total of 3,500 kilograms.