Itzulia Basque Country 2026 - Stage 2

The Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast delivers a detailed and energetic recap of Stage 2 of the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country, a challenging medium mountain stage from Pamplona to Cuevas de Menducilo featuring the demanding San Miguel de Aralar climb and a technical descent. The episode centers on Paul Sixus’s dominant performance, where he launched a solo attack early on the final climb, securing both the stage win and a commanding two-minute lead in the general classification. The hosts analyze the tactical dynamics, particularly the lack of a true battle for first place, with Red Bull’s decision to prioritize second-place positioning over chasing Sixus. They critique the peloton’s response, noting how teams like Bora and UAE did not fully commit to chasing despite the gap, and highlight the strong performances of riders like Izaguirre, Schkelmoser, and Tullet. The episode also touches on rider form, injury concerns (including Ayuso’s crash involving a dog), and the broader implications of Sixus’s rise as a potential Tour de France contender. The hosts express excitement about the narrative potential of the young French rider while questioning the tactical maturity of the GC contenders. The podcast concludes with predictions for Stage 3, a relatively flat but hilly route with a punishing final climb. The hosts anticipate a breakaway-heavy stage and predict wins for Aramburu, Ben Healy, and possibly a sprinter like Philipsen. They also reflect on the state of the race, noting that the GC battle is effectively over, with the focus now shifting to securing top-10 finishes and positioning for the Ardennes. The hosts express frustration with the current sprint relegation system and call for the return of 'gaps' and OTL (Out of Time Limit) to restore tactical depth. The episode ends on a light-hearted note with a playful debate about language and podcast accessibility, including the idea of a Flemish-language version.