Steff Cras returns to the scene of horror crash at Itzulia Basque Country: "I can erase the negative things that happened there"

Next week, the peloton heads to the Basque Country for one of the most demanding and unpredictable stage races on the calendar: Itzulia Basque Country. Last year’s edition was marked by a high-profile crash that sent shockwaves through the sport, taking out three of the sport's biggest stars, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic, as well as 29-year-old Steff Cras of TotalEnergies.

Cras was among the worst affected. The Belgian suffered a perforated lung, a broken rib, and eight fractured transverse processes in his back, injuries that left him sidelined for months and cast doubt over his future in the sport.

Now, a year later, Cras is preparing to return to the very race that nearly ended his career. Speaking to Sporza, he revealed what this comeback means to him.

“The intention is for me to return to this race so that I can erase the negative things that happened there,” he said. “I'm going there with a sense of revenge to get that good feeling back, especially for the future when we go to the Basque Country again in the Tour of Spain. I want to turn the tide next week for the rest of my career.”

Remarkably, Cras says he no longer feels the physical or psychological impact of the crash. His return to racing has been steady, and mentally, he remains resilient.

“It's not that I'm more afraid to take a descent on the bike or to position myself. I'm very happy that this didn't drag on.”

At TotalEnergies, changes in team strategy have also affected his approach. This year, the team has adopted a policy of announcing rider selections at the last minute, a move Cras believes is intended to keep riders alert and prepared.

“I think it's a new approach from the team to keep all the riders sharp. For example, for Paris-Nice I only knew a week in advance that I had to go there. That's annoying to be able to prepare myself properly.”

Looking ahead to next week’s race, Cras is under no illusions about the challenge. The Basque Country offers a different course every year, with punishing terrain and chaotic finales.

“Every year in the Basque Country we are presented with a different course. The key to this race lies mainly in the final stage. Crazy things usually happen there.”

He knows that decisive moments can come late and intends to seize any opportunity that presents itself.

“It will be important to be really great on the last day and to try something else. Often it is those days when you risk everything or nothing that you can still climb a lot of places or possibly have a chance of winning a stage.”