Results Itzulia Women 2026 Stage 1 - Mischa Bredewold dominates to take the lead in relentless finish

The Itzulia Women 2026 opened on Friday with a 121 km stage 1 starting and finishing in Zarautz. Six categorized climbs shaped a day whose finish did not disappoint. Mischa Bredewold took the win and moved into the overall lead of the Women’s WorldTour race.

The Dutch rider from Team SD Worx - Protime confirmed her strong form, prevailing after 3:30:35 of racing on a day marked by relentless moves in the final kilometres and time gaps driven by bonuses.

Bredewold claimed not only the stage but also a valuable haul of UCI points and three bonus seconds, enough to pull on the leader’s jersey in this edition of the Basque race. The Dutchwoman again showcased SD Worx’s collective strength on explosive terrain, nailing the finale against a reduced group of favourites.

Second place went to Yara Kastelijn of Fenix-Premier Tech, with Riejanne Markus (Lidl - Trek) completing the day’s podium after also banking a one-second bonus. Close behind was Lauren Dickson, fourth for FDJ United - SUEZ, another standout result for the young Briton.

Although the gaps at the line were small, the stage already sketched the GC battle. Germany’s Antonia Niedermaier conceded only two seconds and remains well placed for the hillier days, while Liane Lippert of Movistar Team lost 18 seconds on a first day tougher than expected.

A bright note for Basque cycling came from Usoa Ostolaza, seventh with the same 18-second deficit as the chase group. The Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi rider was competitive against several major WorldTour references, delivering one of her team’s best results at the start of the race.

The Top 10 also featured Dominika Włodarczyk, Ricarda Bauernfeind, and Letizia Borghesi on a very intense day that underlined how every second will count in the fight for the general classification. With Bredewold in the first leader’s jersey and several contenders still close on GC, Itzulia Women kicks off with all the ingredients for an open weekend of racing.