It is only 7 kilometres from the start to the finish line, but no, the riders are to take a detour. Firstly, they set off towards the Bay of Biscay for a rolling section along the coast. The first climb of the day leads to Natxitua, is 2.5 kilometres long and averages 8%.
After roughly 50 kilometres the route leaves the coast to go inland and return to Eibar. The route is nowhere near flat, but three uphill sections stand out. The Alto de Milloi ascends for 3.5 kilometres at 4%, the Trabakua is 3.3 kilometres at 7.1%, while the Karabieta is the longest climb of the day: 6.7 kilometres at 5.6%. Only 14 kilometres to go at the top.
The Alto de Usartza is the final climb. After an easy start for the first kilometre, the gradient hits double figures and there is no rest until the top. The full climb adds up to 4.5 kilometres with an average gradient of 8.9%.
The Usartza peaks out 2 kilometres before the Arrate Sanctuary. A rolling section runs to the last hundred metres downhill, so the finish will be at breakneck speeds.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while two intermediate sprints – at kilometre 83.7 and 134.9 – come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.
Tour of the Basque Country 2021 stage 1: route, profile, more
Click on the images to zoom
