Results Itzulia Basque Country 2026 Stage 3 | Axel Laurance wins from breakaway for INEOS as Paul Seixas' GC rivals continue to falter

Axel Laurance claimed victory on Stage 3 of Itzulia Basque Country 2026, winning from a two-man move alongside Igor Arrieta after a fractured and attritional day that saw further disruption among the general classification contenders.

The Frenchman proved the stronger in the final kilometre in Basauri, converting a late breakaway advantage into a controlled finish, while Arrieta settled for second after matching him throughout the decisive phase of the race.

After a chaotic opening marked by repeated attacks, a large and powerful breakaway group finally formed, featuring Ilan Van Wilder, Lorenzo Fortunato, Guillaume Martin, Tobias Halland Johannessen and Laurance, among others.

Despite early efforts from Decathlon CMA CGM and Cofidis to keep the move in check, the peloton gradually lost its grip. What had briefly been reduced to under a minute stretched back out beyond two minutes, and eventually over three, as cooperation behind faded. From that point, the stage win was always likely to come from the front.

While the breakaway took control, the general classification continued to shift in the background. Isaac del Toro abandoned the race following a crash earlier in the stage, while Mikel Landa was also forced out as a result of his injuries in yesterday’s crash, further reducing the number of realistic GC contenders.

Juan Ayuso, meanwhile, endured another difficult day. Already on the back foot after earlier time losses, he was dropped from the peloton at an early stage and never featured again, confirming that he remains well below his expected level. Even without direct attacks among the favourites, the gaps behind race leader Paul Seixas continued to grow.

The breakaway began to split on the climb of Bikotx-Gane, before the race was effectively decided on the following descent. Laurance and Arrieta accelerated clear of their companions and quickly built a decisive gap. Behind them, the chase group featuring Van Wilder failed to organise, while the peloton drifted further out of contention.

With around 20 kilometres remaining, the leading duo held a clear advantage, and the stage victory became a two-rider contest.

In the final kilometres, the dynamic between the two leaders briefly opened the door to a chase. Laurance attempted to distance Arrieta on the penultimate rise, but the Spaniard responded each time, refusing to yield. As they approached the final kilometres, hesitation between the pair allowed the chasers to close slightly, reducing the gap to around 30 to 40 seconds.

Behind, Guillaume Martin launched a late acceleration, with Van Wilder and Johannessen responding, but the lack of cohesion in the chase ultimately proved decisive.

Into the final kilometre, Laurance took control from the front, forcing Arrieta to follow. Despite pressure from behind and the threat of a late catch, the Frenchman maintained his pace on the steep finishing ramp, holding on to secure the victory. Arrieta crossed the line in second, while the remnants of the break arrived shortly after.

Behind the stage-winning move, the peloton rolled in with no major attacks among the GC contenders. Seixas remained safely positioned throughout, with his team able to allow the break to go clear and take the stage honours without risk to his overall lead.

After three stages, the race continues to tilt heavily in his favour. With key rivals already out, struggling, or losing time, the young Frenchman’s grip on the general classification only appears to be strengthening as the race heads deeper into the Basque hills.