The Tour of the Basque Country, known locally as Itzulia, is one of the hardest week-long races on the calendar. First run in 1924, it packs relentless short, steep climbs into the Basque hills, often finishing on walls like Arrate, with a decisive time trial to settle the overall. The terrain never lets up, which is why a strong week here marks a rider as ready for the Ardennes Classics and the Tour. José Antonio González Linares and Alberto Contador share the record with four wins each. In 2026 the young Frenchman Paul Seixas announced himself with the overall victory. The roadside crowds are among the most fervent in the sport.