The fifth edition of the race strengthens its position on the international calendar and will bring together the top female cyclists in the peloton
On 7 May, San Sebastian City Council hosted the official presentation of Itzulia Women 2026 at an institutional event attended by public officials, sponsors and the race organisers.
The event was attended by the Mayor of San Sebastian, Jon Insausti, who gave a speech from the lectern, alongside the Councillor for Sport, Iñaki Gabarain. Also attending were OCETA’s president, Javier Riaño, the director of Kutxabank’s Gipuzkoa Network, Marta Madinabeitia, the Basque Government’s Director of Physical Activity and Sport, Gorka Iturriaga, the Councillor for Culture, Cooperation, Youth and Sport of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Goizane Alvarez, the Councillor for Green Territorial Balance at Basotik, Xabier Arruti, the Director of Communications at Echemar, Ibon Barberia, and the Director of Sport at EITB, Joseba Urkiola.
During his speech, Javier Riaño said, “We are delighted to be continuing to build on the success of this race, now in its fifth year. Itzulia Women is now one of the finest races on the international cycling circuit, and this is thanks to all of the people, companies, organisations and fans who support it”.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of San Sebastian City Council, the mayor, Jon Insausti, said: “It is an honour for the people of San Sebastian that our city is playing host to the final stage of a race that symbolises the consolidation of the role of women in the world of cycling. Our city continues to be a leader and a benchmark when it comes to equality, both in social terms and specifically in the field of sport, with top-level women’s teams and athletes across many disciplines. By supporting this event, we are taking a step further in promoting equality in sport and giving the people of San Sebastian the chance to enjoy a cycling spectacle that has always been dear to our region, whose values we share.”
Iñaki Gabarain, the Councillor for Sport at San Sebastian City Council, reiterated that, “San Sebastian has become a leader in women’s sport, and this has only been possible thanks to the support, encouragement and visibility we give to athletes and clubs, and through major events such as Itzulia Women. The San Sebastian-San Sebastain stage is the women’s equivalent of the Clásica. We at San Sebastian City Council will continue to give our wholehearted support to Itzulia Women so that it can carry on being a top international sporting event.”
Kutxabank noted: “The Itzulia Women project is fully in line with our corporate purpose and areas of focus: it promotes close ties with the local area, supports diversity and equal opportunities, and is committed to values such as respect, hard work and teamwork.”
The EITB representative stated that, “Itzulia Women is one of the most important events of the year for us. As with the men’s race, cutting-edge technology is deployed here. The television signal is broadcast to more than 180 countries. For us, this is an event we look forward to with particular enthusiasm and commitment.” He concluded his statement by adding, “We will be broadcasting live every day on ETB1 and kirolakeitb.eus, and there will be extensive coverage across all EITB media channels.”
The Basque Government representative explained that, “In recent years, women’s sport has made significant progress towards the equality and visibility it deserves.” “Events such as Itzulia Women demonstrate that the talent, hard work and ambition of women cyclists now occupy a prominent place in the international sporting calendar.”
He went on to add that, “It is true that there is still some way to go, but it is also clear that we are moving in the right direction. Basque institutions will continue to work, with the support of the community, to ensure that equal opportunities in sport are not merely a goal, but a well-established, long-lasting reality.”
Goizane Álvarez, the Councillor for Culture and Sport, pointed out that “Itzulia Women has already earned an important slot in the international calendar, and that speaks volumes about the progress women’s cycling has made in recent years. Supporting this race means supporting female athletes, but it also means that girls and young women have role models close to home, in their own backyards. Institutions need to play their part in creating the conditions that make it possible for female talent to flourish, be seen and be valued equally. That’s not a favour, it’s an obligation.”
The representative for Basotik commented, “Gipuzkoa is a mountainous region. More than 60% of the region is covered by forests, most of which are managed by people who work in the primary sector. The landscape along the race route, the mountain passes and forests that provide the backdrop for the riders, are not just scenery: they are the result of the hard work, care and commitment to the region that has been passed down from generation to generation.”
He added, “At the BSTK Basotik Foundation, we are working along these lines: supporting the primary sector and promoting sustainable management, preserving biodiversity, creating social value and keeping our landscape alive. That is why it means so much to us to sponsor the Queen of the Mountains jersey. The mountains are not just about toughness and hard work; they are also about character, balance and the future.”
The Echemar representative said, “Once again, we are extremely proud to be involved in Itzulia Women. Year after year, we continue to promote equality in this region and in society. Year after year, our roads play host to one of the finest international events, and a world-class competition such as Itzulia Women requires first-rate logistical organisation. For our part, we will put all of the knowledge and experience we have gained over recent years, and all of our resources, into ensuring that the races run smoothly and without incident. “
The organisers have emphasised the fact that Itzulia Women 2026 will once again bring together top-level teams and cyclists to take on a route that will run through various parts of the region.
Fans can expect a spectacular cycling event and are encouraged to come and watch the race as it passes through the various stages. Also, the teams will be presented on the Zarautz seafront on 14 May at 6.00 pm.
Dressing the champions
Gobik will once again provide the jerseys for the overall leaders of Itzulia Women 2026. The four distinctive jerseys remain: the yellow jersey for the overall leader, sponsored by EITB; the mountains jersey, sponsored by Basotik Fundazioa; the points classification jersey, sponsored by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa; and the best young rider jersey, sponsored by Euskadi Basque Country. Kutxabank will sponsor the prizes for the stage winners.
