With its long route above the Bay of Biscay, Jaizkibel has shaped the Clásica San Sebastián since its first edition. Those who cycle up from Hondarribia discover why % the average of 5.9 tells only part of the story. And why you want to cycle the climb. Jaizkibel is the climb of the Basque Country and San Sebastian
On paper Jaizkibel seems almost friendly. A hiking climb that covers an average of 6% with 9.1km and 533 meters of elevation gain. A peak at 455 meters, what could go wrong? The fact that the elevation measurements are higher than the peak is mainly due to the descent that is included. The measurements of the climb vary slightly. Some put it at 9.1km and 533 meters (5.9%), others at 8.1km and 437 meters ( 6%). One thing is certain: it is a slog.
For anyone who has never been to the Basque Country, it is actually impossible to miss the Jaizkibel. Just because the climb forms the heart of the Clásica San Sebastián, you really have to do it. Because that 10km uphill also gives you a super technical descent towards the city. At that moment, you realize why this is the most difficult part of the race and where the riders can make the difference.
The climb itself: Jaizkibel
Jaizkibel is the longest of the five famous Basque climbs that can be found in the region. The other famous climbs are:
- Average of 11% Oiz
- Urkiola 9.2%
- Arrate 8.3%
- Orduña 7.5%.
- Jaizkibel with 6%
Jaizkibel stands out for its length and location. The GI-3440 runs from Hondarribia over the mountain towards Lezo and Pasai Donibane. You first climb to Guadelupeko. That is still through the forest. During the climb, the landscape opens out towards the coast, while below you can see the bay of Txingudi and the French border. You can look back towards France and to the side towards the Gulf of Biscay.
The average of 5.9% also hides an irregular profile. The first kilometers are mild and even contain a short drop. Higher up, you get longer stretches around 6 to 7%, with a passage that approaches an average of 9%, with a spike in the double digits. Those who start too enthusiastically at the bottom notice that in the second part. It is therefore rightly a slogger.
That makes Jaizkibel suitable for different types of cyclists. You can ride up at a leisurely pace, but you should also try to understand how a professional team operates here. If you choose the latter, you’ll need to have enough power left after a controlled opening stretch to make it through the final kilometers.
The Clásica was built around Jaizkibel
The Clásica San Sebastián has been held since 1981. In the preparation phase, the idea was initially to hold a race between San Sebastián and Bilbao. The organization eventually chose a course within Gipuzkoa, with Jaizkibel being the main mountain pass in the province.
During the first edition over 229 km, 71 riders set off and only 30 reached the finish line. Marino Lejarreta fell at Jaizkibel and won solo. A year later, he once again delivered a decisive performance. In 1987, he secured his third victory.
The location of Jaizkibel changed regularly thereafter. In the early editions, the top from the Hondarribia side was about 15 km from the finish. Other approaches and additional climbs pushed the mountain further away from San Sebastián later. In 2014, the last pass was even almost 54 km from the finish.
As a result, Jaizkibel became less the site of the final attack, but the climb on which teams could break the game continued. The length makes a high pace costly. Racers who are poorly positioned or have a bad day start the following Erlaitz already behind.
Jaizkibel as final referee
Also in the Clasica (or Klasikoa) of 2026, Jaizkibel will again be the headliner in the race. But this time, this classic race is 60km from the finish, 160 of the 220 kilometers planned. The final climb this time is the short hill ‘Murgil’ on the west side of Donostia (as San Sebastián is called in Basque).
Also in the Tour de France 2023
The 2023 Tour de France started in the Basque Country. The The first stage started from Bilbao via the coast and another loop back to Bilbao; the highlights there were San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the walk along Gernika and the climbs of the Laugiz, Morga, Vivero and the Pike on the way.
Stage 2 was about the Jaizkibel. The start was in the regional capital Vitoria-Gasteiz and the finish was in San Sebastian. The Jaizkibel was also the race director in that stage. Crossing that stage is also a great challenge. Note: 210 km and a lot of elevation gain. Plus: you have to return afterwards.
Stage 3 was along the coast, passing Zarautz and San Sebastian towards France.
A loop from Hondarribia
Hondarribia is the logical starting point to experience the slopes of Jaizkibel. For an achievable round, add the following points to your route planner:
- Start in Hondarribia and search for the GI-3440 from the city.
- Climb from the Hondarribia side to the top of Jaizkibel.
- Follow the same GI-3440 towards Lezo and Pasai Donibane.
- Lay a lower return route via the corridor first towards Irun Sure.
- End again in Hondarribia, At the old town or La Marina.
The fixed distance for the climb is about 8 kilometers, with occasional ascents. We have laid out a beautiful route for you, which was compiled by Basquetour. This goes from Zarautz (near Haimar Zubeldia in the backyard) over a beautiful climb, overlooking the Bay of Biscay, to the climb in Hondarribia. It shows why Jaizkibel is the climb of the Basque Country and San Sebastian.
You can of course choose to do a round from San Sebastian (which you can simply pick up from the above route) or you can climb the climb directly from the city, then descend to Hondarribia and turn around. Then you’ve ticked it off completely.
Curves and current conditions
The descent towards Lezo has many turns. Please be aware of oncoming traffic and do not cut corners. The road is also used by cars and motorcycles, so this is not a closed training course.
There have previously been temporary closures on the GI-3440 for work, including: maintenance between Lezo and Donibane. Before leaving, check local traffic reports, the weather, and any events. Fog and rain can quickly replace the open view and make the descent much more difficult.
First climb, then see the course
On the day of the Clásica, this round requires extra planning. The safest approach is to cycle early to Jaizkibel and be well ahead of the race caravan. After that, you can head towards San Sebastián for the later stages or the finish on the Boulevard, depending on the course for that year.
Do not expect free passage once the road closures are in effect. The route, arrival times, and traffic arrangements may change per edition. Therefore, please check the official course information and choose beforehand whether you want to experience Jaizkibel along the way or the finale in San Sebastián. Combining both requires sufficient time between the passage and the finish.
Back in Hondarribia, La Marina is ready for the recovery round. Anyone who wants to see the climb again on the board will find it at Bar Gran Sol Even a pintxo with the name Jaizkibel. First check off 9.8 km, then order it. Then you can see why the Jaizkibel is the climb of the Basque Country and San Sebastian.
This article was written in collaboration with Turespana – Spanish Traffic Agency in the Netherlands
Questions & tips
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