Tour of the Basque Country 2017: The Route

The Tour of the Basque Country is feared and revered for its many steep climbs. These are still included, yet the overall profile of the 2017 route seems to be a little more gently. Nevertheless, the Queen Stage still takes in seven steep ascents to arrive at the famous Sanctuary of Arrate. And the race still ends with a hilly time trial...

The first two stages leave from Pamplona. We have to go as far back as 1973 for the last time the Tour of the Basque Country visited Miguel Indurain’s home town. Pamplona enjoys worldwide fame for the running of the bulls in July each year.

The 1st stage travels to Sarriguren and the 2nd stage to Elciego. Both stages are mostly flat, yet the 2nd is marked by a finale with two moderate climbs and slightly downhill last kilometres.

San Sebastián is another host that’s making its come-back in the Tour of the Basque Country after a long abscence (since 1975). Obviously, the town has had its fare share of pro-cycling glory with the Clásica San Sebastián. The route of stage 3 takes in six intermediate climbs and the last one is crested with some 10 kilometres remaining.

Stage 4 travels from San Sebastián to Bilbao on a 174.1 kilometres course. Two punchy ascents shake up the route, while the last one is crested with 14.1 kilometres remaining.

The Queen Stage is played out on the penultimate day. Stage 5 takes in six ascents, including the closing climb up to the Sanctuary of Arrate. The first 5.5 kilometres are averaging 8.4%, while the 2nd and 3rd kilometre are steepest with average grades of 15.4% en 14.1%. After the Sanctuary the route continues for 2.1 kilometres on a flat to slightly descending road.

Just like in 2016, the 2017 Tour of the Basque Country ends with a hilly time trial.

Alberto Contador is title holder. Last year went on to take the overal after winning the time trial in the Tour of the Basque Country.