Durango-Durango Emakumeen Saria

The first week of post-pandemic professional cycling in Spain will come to a close with the Durango Emakumeen Saria (UCI 1.1), a classic event in the Basque Country which will hold the sad distinction of being the only pro race in Euskadi this year. That owes to the fact that the Clásica de San Sebastián was cancelled; that both men’s Klasikoa and Itzulia were scrapped -only La Vuelta, which starts from Irun, will see the men’s peloton compete in the region-; and that the Bira, which Durango usually shared race week with, was already pronounced dead last winter.

The circumstances have taken to its current late-July slot an event including all WorldTour squads, which features a characteristic, well-down, demanding mountain course (113km). An opening, five-lap circuit around Atxondo, Berriz, Abadiño and the Miota climb will lead the peloton into the two decisive ascents of Goiuria, with the Alto de Garai (San Juan) also featured into the final loop. The last summit is reached with just 6km remaining.