Following the start in Zarautz the route runs on rolling roads to Oio and then continues to the foot of the Jaizkibel. The climb is always included and is 8.8 kilometres long, while the average gradient is 5.2%. At kilometre 57 the summit is crested.
The descent moves through San Sebastián and before leaving the city perimeters the next climb begins. The Maddiola is 8.4 kilometres and averaging 4.2%. Via Orio and a first passage on the line the route continues to the Garate, a 3.5 kilometres ascent at 6,2%. While on descent the riders turn right Meaga and move through Oikia before hitting the coast. On the flat the route returns to Zarautz.
The last round is 38 kilometres. It begins on the same roads as after the start, but a right turn in Oio leads to a 9.5 kilometres climb at 3,4% to Aia. Three years ago, Mikel Landa won a stage in this village ahead of fellow attacker Tim Wellens – this time there are 22 kilometres left to race, mostly on descent.
Straight after the drop it goes back up on the steep Eikano – 2.4 kilometres at 9% – before the riders fly down a 6.6 kilometres run-in to the line.
The first three riders on the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the intermediate sprints (after kilometre 91.7 and after kilometre 114.2) come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Read also: results/race report 1st stage 2018 Tour of the Basque Country.
Tour of the Basque Country 2018 stage 1: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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