- The third edition of the Itzulia Women will cover 358.9 km.
- It will include a total of 3 stages
The official route for the Itzulia Women 2024 was presented today, 18 April. The presentation took place at the Provincial Council of Alava which will host the start of the first stage. The 3rd edition of the race will involve 3 stages and a total of 358.9 kilometres.
Ramiro González, general deputy of the Álava Provincial Council, Maider Etxebarria, mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alaitz Biritxinaga, director of Itzulia Women presented the route for the Itzulia Women 2024 that will take place from 10 to 12 May. The route will cross Alava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, in that order, and finish on the Boulevard de Donostia.
The deputy general opened the presentation by being “proud” that the Itzulia Women has established itself as an important event for the international platoon. “Álava has become a reference place for holding major sporting events and we have to continue working to make it so in both men’s and women’s sports,” explained Ramiro González, “bringing our Territory closer to the best international cycling references, we will ensure that young women from Alava have extra motivation to practice their favorite sport.”
The mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Maider Etxebarria commented in the presentation that “Vitoria-Gasteiz being present in the 3 editions of Itzulia Women is not a coincidence. She demonstrates the commitment that we make at the City Council to support, promote and make women’s sports visible. Which will allow us to enjoy the best cyclists in the international peloton.”
She added, “a commitment to women’s sports that represents clear progress towards gender equality. The participating cyclists become authentic references for the girls and young people of the territory who love two wheels.”
It will be the most mountainous edition, with 9 mountain passes: one Category 1, two Category 2, and six Category 3.
Stage 1. VITORIA-GASTEIZ – ELGOIBAR 140.0 km
This year the first stage of the Itzulia Women 2024 is its longest and has the highest cumulative elevation gain. Despite having just 3 scoring passes, it includes plenty of climbs and descents. A favourable day for a breakaway either before or during the Olaeta pass. The last few kilometres climb steadily uphill on a continuous false flat until the finish line in Elgoibar.
Stage 2. BASAURI – BASAURI 104.0 km
This will probably be the most nervous stage this year. Just 104 kilometres, 3 scoring passes and a finish with several climbs and descents that are sure to decide the stage winner. It could make a difference in the general classification for those not well positioned or with legs unable to manage the potential changes of pace over the final 10 kilometres.
Stage 3 – DONOSTIA- DONOSTIA 114.9 km
The most decisive stage of the race. The route simulates the San Sebastian Classic with the ascent to Jaizkibel from Lezo and finishes with the climb up the Murgil wall to Mendizorrotz. The descent to Orio and the next few kilometres to San Sebastian will constitute an individual time trial to reach the finish line and win the overall classification.
