Itzulia Basque Country: Axel Laurance surges ahead of Igor Arrieta in two-rider sprint for stage 3 victory

Race Results
By
Last updated

Natnael Tesfatsion takes final spot on podium at the line against Ilan Van Wilder

Axel Laurance of INEOS Grenadiers (R) celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Igor Arrieta of UAE Team Emirates - XRG on Itzulia Basque Country 2026, Stage 3. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Itzulia Basque Country 2026: Axel Laurance of Ineos Grenadiers wins stage 3 (Image credit: Getty Images)
Jump To:

Axel Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers) continued his run of success this season with the two-up sprint victory on stage 3 at Itzulia Basque Country.

The Frenchman launched off the wheel of breakaway companion Igor Arrieta (AE Team Emirates-XRG), who started his sprint first but faded in the final metres on the uphill finale, securing his fourth win of the season. Arrieta was forced to settle for second place in Basauri.

The pair were part of a larger 16-rider breakaway that formed mid-race, but they split off the front at the top of the last categorised ascent, Sarasola, with roughly 25km remaining of the 153km race.

Natnael Tesfatsion (Movistar), who was also part of the original breakaway, crossed the line in third place from the chase-group sprint.

Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) maintained his overall race lead with 1:59 ahead of Primož Roglič and 2:08 ahead of Florian Lipowitz (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe).

How it unfolded

Latest Videos FromCyclingnews
Kirsten Frattini
Kirsten Frattini
Editor

Kirsten Frattini has been the Editor of Cyclingnews since December 2025, overseeing editorial operations and output across the brand and delivering quality, engaging content.

She manages global budgets, racing & events, production scheduling, and contributor commissions, collaborating across content sections and teams in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia to ensure audience and subscription growth across the brand.

Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.