Tour of the Basque Country – Stage 4: Alex Aranburu, a stroke of genius!

It’s the sort of day that stays etched in the memory, the kind that sends shivers down your spine every time you think back on it. Alex Aranburu won a race that makes you love cycling because it had it all. It was a day when anything was possible, a scenario that remained undecided right to the very end, with daring riders who never gave up and, in the end, a rider who triumphed on home soil, watched by his loved ones, all those who have supported him since his debut.  

Cunning and sheer tenacity 

Alex Aranburu had a score to settle with fate, having missed out on the action yesterday in a stage that was, in fact, right up his street. The former Spanish champion has too much experience not to know that today’s reality is never tomorrow’s, and that frustrations are sometimes the starting point for many great feats. But before he could let out his cry of victory, he had to be cunning. 

Slip into a group of strong riders, wait patiently while some of them burned their bridges. And then, with about ten kilometres to go, he went on the attack, setting a blistering pace on the final climb, the Col de Legina. The two of them then engaged in an incredible battle, holding off the relentless attacks of the chasers who refused to give up. In this chase, Ion Izagirre was also closing in on the yellow jersey, worn by Paul Seixas. 

Alex and Ion, unstoppable right to the end 

Then came the final climb, stifling under the blazing sun, especially with the extra heat generated by the crowd of fans. They had eyes only for Alex and Ion, the two local heroes. Just a few metres from the finish line, Ion is back in the mix. But it is Alex who draws on that extra burst of energy to give it his all, take the win and experience that unparalleled thrill. 

During the lengthy ceremony for the stage winner, Alex takes the time to savour the moment. Signing a jersey for a child, posing with spectators and, above all, taking a quick lap of honour with his lifelong friends, who wouldn’t have missed the stage for the world. Alex also quickly enquires about Ion’s performance, who finished 4th in the stage and 4th overall. The two embrace twice, delighted to be part of ‘their’ race and to be the pride of an entire nation. But there is also, deep down, the realisation that there are still more places of honour to be won and the certainty, with Cofidis, that nothing is impossible. 

Reactions:

Alex Aranburu: 

“It was incredible. Winning at home is an indescribable feeling, something very special. Yesterday, I wasn’t feeling great and I didn’t manage to get into the breakaway. I was feeling a bit frustrated when I lined up at the start today. I felt really good, I gave it my all and it ended in the best possible way. Right up to the end, there were some very strong riders in the final stretch; I was even surprised to see Ion (Izagirre) coming back. I was really motivated, especially in front of my family and friends. This might be the best victory of my career: there’s no greater reward than winning on home soil.”

Gorka Gerrikagoitia, sports director: 

“We knew Alex had everything it takes to do well today, just as he did yesterday. We’d scouted the finish the day before the race and knew the route inside out. The aim was for Alex to join the breakaway and for that group to make it to the finish to challenge for the win. We had a great stage, a brilliant strategy, and Alex attacked at just the right moment. The next two stages look set to be tricky, but that won’t be a problem. We’ll do everything we can to help Ion get on the podium in the general classification. In any case, he’s got the form and the talent to get there!”