“It was crazy to see Paul Seixas attack” - Ion Izagirre in the form of his life but only able to fight for second against French prodigy

Ion Izagirre again showed he is riding into top form on stage 2 of the Itzulia Basque Country 2026. The veteran Basque from Cofidis, in his final professional season, underlined his consistency by finishing with the first favourites’ group, moving into a commendable seventh overall. His performance strengthens the sense that he is enjoying a late-career resurgence, especially after his recent win at the GP Miguel Indurain. However, he was stunned with Paul Seixas' pace.

The stage was defined by a long-range move from Paul Seixas, surprising for how far from the finish it came, if not for the rider who launched it. Izagirre, leaning on his experience, reflected on the outcome after the line in comments to Cycling Pro Net. “I think it was crazy to see Seixas attack with 26 kilometres to go, but yesterday he already showed he was the strongest on a climb like this, which was very steep and hard. He also said he didn’t want to sit on, that he wanted to attack, and he’s proved he’s the strongest at this Itzulia,” the Basque explained, acknowledging the Frenchman’s superiority at the start of the race.

As for his own ride, Izagirre was satisfied with his sensations, especially given the potential impact of this stage on the general classification. “I’m quite happy. I knew this stage was going to be very important for the GC and I felt pretty good in the second group. The goal is to do as well as possible in the overall at this Itzulia, and also, why not, try to chase a stage win for both myself and Alex [Aranburu]. We’re going to keep working,” he said, setting out both his own ambitions and those of the team.

The Basque rider’s strong start to the season is turning heads, not least because he has announced this will be his final year in the peloton. Asked about that decision, and whether he might reconsider, Izagirre hinted he feels competitive again after a difficult 2025. “Maybe… This year I’m feeling super good. I feel like a professional cyclist again, because last season was not my best at all. This year, from the start, I’ve felt pretty good and very confident,” he said.

He was seventh in the stage and now also in the overall classification, but with the most difficult stages of the race still ahead which may favour him more. The French team will also be happy with the potential UCI points that he may be scoring this week.

He also outlined the keys to this form, highlighting the specific work done over winter. The veteran has adapted well to the more modern training habits and is at a very strong level.

“I prepared everything with very good altitude camps, both for this Itzulia and for the Classics, and as I say, I feel really good this year. It would be nice to retire at this level,” concluded Izagirre, who keeps proving day by day he still has plenty to offer in the professional peloton.