The opening time trial at the Basque Country chronometer saw a surprise victory by 19-year-old French cyclist Paul Seixas. Seixas finished with a time of 17 minutes and 37 seconds, edging out Slovenian veteran Primož Roglič, who had previously won the event in 2018 and 2022. Kevin Vauquelin, also representing France, secured second place, while teammate Tadej Pogačar finished in third.
Austrian rider Felix Grossschartner completed the top three. Several prominent contenders in the Tour de France are participating in the Basque Country chronometer, including Isaac del Toro from UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Bookmakers have largely positioned del Toro as a leading candidate for the stage victory.
The race serves as an early test for many of the sport’s top cyclists as they prepare for the upcoming northern Spanish stage of the Tour de France. Roglič, Vauquelin, Pogačar, Grossschartner, and del Toro are among those expected to challenge for the lead at the start of the race.
