{"id":11837,"date":"2023-05-26T10:06:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T08:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=11837"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:43:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:43:53","slug":"round-basque-grand-depart-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/spanje\/rondje-baskenland-grand-depart-deel-i","title":{"rendered":"Around Basque Country: Following the Grand Depart of Euskadi \u2013 Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A rugged coastline, interspersed with idyllic towns and an abandoned beach. Sounds of the \u2019txalaparta\u2019 instead of the more rhythmic Flamenco. A cheerful \u00a1Aupa! to all the other cyclists you encounter. <strong>Basque Country<\/strong> It is really a different kind of Spain than you are used to, especially if you go here. <strong>cycling<\/strong>. You won\u2019t find . Tapas here. Pintxos are the \u2018snack of choice\u2019. If you really want to experience the Basque food culture, you\u2019ll eat in a Txoko, but only on invitation. And then you\u2019ll also eat a Txuleta. Independence is still an important word, even within the union of Spanish regions. We were once again able to sample all the beauty that you can experience in a tour. <strong>Basque Country<\/strong> Can you find it? Are you enjoying it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Tour de France 2023 - Basque Country Stage 1 - Bilbao-Bilbao\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I2RgMmfWgpo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Text: Sander Kolsloot \u2013 Photos: Stijn Kanters \u2013 Sander Kolsloot<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11854\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8964-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: following the Grand Depart of Euskadi - part 1\" class=\"wp-image-11854\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read also our Baskenland Diary:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/stories\/spain\/diary-basque-country-part\/\">Baskenland Diary Part 1<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/stories\/diary-basque-country-part-2\/\">Baskenland Diary Part 2: Playing in Haimar\u2019s Backyard<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/stories\/cycling-in-basque-country-tolosa-pamplona\/\">Baskenland Diary Part 3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grand Depart of Euskadi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we arrive at Bilbao airport at the end of April 2023, everything is different. That the <a href=\"https:\/\/cutt.ly\/r6gnwJl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tour de France starts<\/a> In the modern port city you see none of that anymore. Perhaps that also defines the culture. Proud, but somehow subdued or reserved. That\u2019s not the case with our guides for the coming days. Although Ander Ortiz of <a href=\"https:\/\/cutt.ly\/ywqYWeKM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bizi Cycle Tours<\/a> The tranquility itself, the passion comes almost out of Virginia Berasategui\u2019s ears when we start talking about cycling in the region. The fact that we don\u2019t want to do the section near Gaztelugatxe in our plans is not an option. \u201cIt\u2019s the most beautiful part\u201d. Noted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11847\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8948-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country, cycling, cycling route Basque Country, cycling in Basque Country\" class=\"wp-image-11847\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dark green border in the Basque Country<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11846\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC03380-576x1024.webp\" alt=\"Virginia on top of Aretxabalgane\" class=\"wp-image-11846\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Virginia on top of Aretxabalgane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parel Bilbao<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sun shines on the city. <a href=\"https:\/\/cutt.ly\/AwqYQ4wF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guggenheim museum<\/a>, The design by Frank Gehry is absolutely stunning. The typical sound of a busy Saturday afternoon and evening is heard. We stay in the <a href=\"https:\/\/app.business.booking.com\/xapp\/nl\/stay\/details\/188996?adultCount=1&amp;checkinDate=2025-12-08&amp;checkoutDate=2025-12-09&amp;destinationId=-373608&amp;destinationType=city&amp;guestAccountCountryCode=NL&amp;guestCurrency=EUR&amp;roomCount=1&amp;searchLocation=Bilbao\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hotel Gran Bilbao<\/a>, just outside the old city center. A perfect base from which to combine the city and the region. In a few minutes you\u2019re right in the middle of the city and in a few minutes you\u2019re driving through the green hills. Tonight we\u2019ll take the bike and ride along the river into the city. Here we\u2019ll find the first signs of the approaching tour start. At the courthouse, with the Guggenheim in the background, we find a large countdown clock. The Swiss time sponsor is prominently displayed on the board. There are still 69 days left. An Irish couple is startled: \u2018only 69 hours!\u2019 They missed the difference between \u2018jours\u2019 and \u2018hours\u2019 for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11842\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC03298-1-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Around Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 2\" class=\"wp-image-11842\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11843\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC03212-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 3\" class=\"wp-image-11843\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11840\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC03279-1024x577.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 4\" class=\"wp-image-11840\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Water ballet <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cycling in the Basque Country is like dealing with the weather. It\u2019s green there; you\u2019re on the Biskaje golf course with a mountain ridge that can really block out all the rain clouds. Where we arrived on Saturday in sunny weather, the big yellow ball was covered by gray clouds on Sunday. Initially, we were still thinking, \u2018We\u2019re going to cycle; we\u2019re here now anyway.\u2019 As the first rain shower came down, we saw that from there. It\u2019s going to be a city tour. No penalty, because next to the Guggenheim, the absolute top attraction, you can have a great time in Bilbao. You can go to the impressive San Mames stadium, home of the local pride team, Athletic Club. Don\u2019t forget the delicious food or a visit to a classic coffee bar. Above the city you\u2019ll find a few beautiful viewpoints, where you can \u2018climb\u2019 up via the stairs. In short, Bilbao is also a top location for cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11848\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8544-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Guggenheim, Bilbao\" class=\"wp-image-11848\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11849\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8758-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"cycling in the Basque Country, Basque Country cycling route, Bilbao\" class=\"wp-image-11849\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11838\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9168-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"cycling in the Basque Country, Basque Country cycling route, Bilbao, view\" class=\"wp-image-11838\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stage 1: along the coast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we prepare for a long cycling day on Monday, we take a quick look at the route. We head towards the coast, to the town of Plentzia, and from there we follow the coastline towards <strong>San Juan de Gaztelugatxe<\/strong>. The route is the same as that of stage one from the Grand Depart of Euskadi. Although it is long enough for a \u2018nice ride\u2019, it is a beautiful route to ride. Our tip: cut it in half.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vizcaya Bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the west side of Bilbao, near the port area, you will find an architectural masterpiece. The Vizcaya Bridge, a design by Alfonso Palacio, a pupil of the famous Eiffel, is a real eye-catcher. The floating pontoon at the bridge, which accommodates 200 passengers and six cars, moves back and forth between two banks. Nice to add as a crossing point. It\u2019s a bit different from the bridge between Wijk bij Duurstede and Culemborg. After the bridge, we drive towards Plentzia, our guide Virginia\u2019s second home. Here you will find a picturesque center, including a new, beautiful bridge and narrow streets. All the villages and towns we encounter offer a similar view. A beach or a harbor with a coffee bar, a restaurant, and fishing boats. In Plentzia you will also find <a href=\"https:\/\/tourism.euskadi.eus\/en\/top-experiences\/underwater-wine-cellar\/aa30-12378\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">some underwater wine cellar<\/a>. If you still want to drink some courage, this is the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11853\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8863-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Vizcaya Bridge, Biscay Bridge, Bilbao, cycling in Bilbao, cycling in the Basque Country, Basque Country cycling route\" class=\"wp-image-11853\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The beautiful Vizcaya Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11851\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8869-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Consultation with Virginia\" class=\"wp-image-11851\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Consultation with Virginia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11850\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8880-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart of Euskadi - part 1, photo 5\" class=\"wp-image-11850\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Pelaio \u2013 Gaztelugatxe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you think of the coast, you think of flat roads, vast views. Forget it. In the Basque Country, even the promenade is actually flat. We drive up and down again. After about 20 kilometers from Plentzia, we climb the San Pelaio. Three kilometers long, 320 meters high, but with an average of seven percent incline. Water splashes against the steep rocks below us. We meet some other cyclists. This tour of the Basque Country is also popular with fans of Game of Thrones. Above San Pelaio you have a view of <a href=\"https:\/\/tourism.euskadi.eus\/en\/top10\/cultural-heritage\/hermitage-of-san-juan-de-gaztelugatxe\/aa30-12376\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">San Juan de Gaztelugatxe<\/a>. Several seasons of the series have been filmed on this island and it serves as Daenerys Targaryen\u2019s Dragonstone. In the past, this was a kind of forgotten part of Spain. Now the tour buses drive back and forth. Fortunately, everyone adheres to the passing regulations. According to the law, a 1.5-meter distance between cyclists and cars is mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11854\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8964-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 6\" class=\"wp-image-11854\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11855\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF8986-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 7\" class=\"wp-image-11855\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Direction Bermeo and Leida<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fact that the Basque Country is home to a number of natural beauties is no wonder. One of them is Urdabai, a nature reserve with beautiful beaches; at low tide you can \u2018walk on the water\u2019 here. The detour from Bermeo towards Geurnica is a must for all cyclists, because of the beautiful view. We can see Laida lying across the road and the water in the bay is beautifully blue. A perfect place <a href=\"https:\/\/atxarre.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stop at Atxarre<\/a> for a delicious bocadillo and a pintxo. This is pure pleasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11856\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9033-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 8\" class=\"wp-image-11856\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gametxo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From here we head towards Gametxo and turn inland at Ibarrangelu. As soon as you leave the coast, the climb begins. It is logical that the Basque Country produces good climbers: Haimar Zubeldia, Mikel Landa and the brothers Izagirre, Jon and Gorka. We were here with Etxeondo in 2022. <a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/stories\/spain\/diary-basque-country-part\/\">Read that story again!<\/a> We will discuss this here with <a href=\"https:\/\/cutt.ly\/ywqYWeKM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virginia<\/a> The impact of the Tour start is also significant. Not only will it be extremely busy along the road, but the stages themselves will also provide spectacular views. Especially on this stretch, where the roads become narrower and everyone wants to sit in the front. Later, Haimar Zubeldia will add: \u2018on these roads, all the team leaders shout in their ears that you need to sit in the front\u2019. We for a moment imagine being at the head of the peloton. But for us, the ordinary cyclist, no race stress; it\u2019s all about enjoying the rolling road and the views over the beautiful Basque Country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11857\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9045-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Baskenland offers breathtaking views in the green\" class=\"wp-image-11857\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Baskenland offers breathtaking views in the green<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onward to Guernica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see: there is a lot of beauty in this region, but the dark pages of Basque history are never far away. Guernica is perhaps the perfect example of this. A visit to the Basque Country automatically means a visit to this city, which was bombed on April 26, 1937.<strong><em>. <\/em><\/strong>After Ere\u00f1o, where we climb along narrow roads, we descend towards Guernica. The photos of the town hall and the monument, a tree trunk that survived the bombing, are impressive. There is only silence here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11859\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9058-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Photo exhibition Guernica\" class=\"wp-image-11859\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo exhibition Guernica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11860\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9067-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Around the Basque Country: in the footsteps of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1, photo 9\" class=\"wp-image-11860\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11861\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9076-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Guernica Monument\" class=\"wp-image-11861\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Guernica Monument <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final of the race<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our race continues towards the final of the first stage. With the Morga, Vivero and the final climb, the Pike ahead, it\u2019s going to be tough. The climb of the Morga is more of a warm-up for the last two climbs. It\u2019s a nice uphill section at an average of three percent. Towards the end, there\u2019s a tricky section, but once you\u2019re in the village that\u2019s all forgotten. For professional riders it\u2019s just a warm-up, but will that be the case for everyone?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11862\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9085-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"aretxabalgane, Morga, climb to Morga, cycle in Morga, cycle in the Basque Country, Spain, Basque Country, Basque Country cycling route, cycling route Spain, tour of the Basque Country\" class=\"wp-image-11862\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful cycling in the Basque Country<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11865\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9116-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"aretxabalgane, Morga, climb to Morga, cycle in Morga, cycle in the Basque Country, Spain, Basque Country, Basque Country cycling route, cycling route Spain, tour of the Basque Country\" class=\"wp-image-11865\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">on top of the Morga<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A straightforward and spacious descent follows. We have to overcome a stretch of provincial road to reach the foot of the Vivero. At an unorganized roundabout, Komoot says \u2018right turn\u2019. The start of the climb follows quickly and the navigation immediately turns dark red. This is the terrain for the puncheurs. It\u2019s a real struggle because after a rolling descent, you immediately get hit with 14% on your legs. I wonder who will still be standing here on July 1st. The descent is still a bit tricky. The work isn\u2019t quite finished yet and we have to be fully focused. It does produce some nice pictures though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11866\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9122-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Cote de Vivero, climbing, cycling, Basque Country, a tour of Basque Country, cycling in Basque Country, cycling route Basque Country\" class=\"wp-image-11866\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Vivero climb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11867\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9146-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Steven Stolk, Virginia Berasategui, road works\" class=\"wp-image-11867\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">a beautiful gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bilbao and then nothing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the climb eases off, we turn right before the top and descend a narrow and winding path towards the provincial road. A stretch of 10 kilometers straight ahead towards the <strong>Pike<\/strong>. Here the game really comes into play. The climb is steep, like the Keutenberg or the Wall of Huy. The ascent through the residential area takes a lot of energy. Once you\u2019re up there, there won\u2019t be much attention paid to the beautiful view over the city. The \u2018Bilbao sign\u2019 at the Artxanda viewpoint is a nice photo opportunity. We roll down the mountain towards the <strong>Stadion San Mames<\/strong>. A beautiful first round of the Basque Country. This stage has everything you would expect when you go cycling here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-cycling-destination wp-block-embed-cycling-destination\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"Ddibd9Nw2X\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/stories\/spain\/baskenland\/grand-depart-basque-from-capital-vitoria-gasteiz-to-san-sebastian\/\">Grand Depart of Basque Country: from the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebasti\u00e1n<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cGrand Depart Basque Country: from the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebasti\u00e1n\u201d \u2014 Cycling Destination\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/verhalen\/spanje\/baskenland\/grand-depart-baskenland-van-hoofdstad-vitoria-gasteiz-naar-san-sebastian\/embed#?secret=x40UIaSzeB#?secret=Ddibd9Nw2X\" data-secret=\"Ddibd9Nw2X\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11868\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9155-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"View of Bilbao, Tour of the Basque Country, Basque cycling, Bilbao, Guggenheim\" class=\"wp-image-11868\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"11869\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SJKF9172-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"San Mames, Athletic Club, Sander Kolsloot, Stadium Bilbao\" class=\"wp-image-11869\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Bilbao to start your bike tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bilbao is known for its coffee culture. We have already ticked off many beautiful places, including G\u00fcrekoffee. But the latest addition to this range is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bizicafehub.com\/\">Bizi Cafe Hub<\/a>, the best coffee shop in Bilbao for cyclists. Run by Virginia Beresategui, with whom we also did this route, it makes the whole experience complete. If you\u2019re looking for good coffee too: Nokora Specialty Coffee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-cycling-destination wp-block-embed-cycling-destination\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"DKrAJaKgGv\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/stories\/spain\/baskenland\/grand-depart-basque-country-stage-3-at-haimars-doorstep\/\">Grand Depart of Basque Country \u2013 Stage 3 at Haimar is just around the corner<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cGrand Depart Basque Country \u2013 Stage 3 at Haimar is just around the corner\u201d \u2014 Cycling Destination\" src=\"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/verhalen\/spanje\/baskenland\/grand-depart-baskenland-etappe-3-bij-haimar-voor-de-deur\/embed#?secret=9QaNvIHHVO#?secret=DKrAJaKgGv\" data-secret=\"DKrAJaKgGv\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Around the Basque Country \u2013 the route of stage 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here you can find the routes of our trip and also some routes from Stages One, Two and Three of the Tour de France 2023. A tour of Basque Country should be done by everyone at least once, because it is so beautiful and wonderful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.komoot.com\/nl-nl\/collection\/2060764\/embed\" width=\"100%\" height=\"580\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Een ruige kustlijn, afgewisseld met idyllische stadjes en een verlaten strandje. Klanken van de &#8217;txalaparta&#8217; in plaats van de meer ritmische Flamenco. Een vrolijk \u00a1Aupa!\u00a0naar alle andere fietsers die je tegenkomt. Baskenland is echt een ander soort Spanje dan je gewend bent, zeker als je hier gaat fietsen. Tapas vind je hier niet. Pintxos zijn [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11845,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cd_lat":"43.2","cd_lng":"-2.5","footnotes":""},"categories":[320,19,9],"tags":[247,12,324,13,75],"thema":[],"plek":[],"class_list":["post-11837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baskenland","category-spanje","category-verhalen","tag-baskenland","tag-fietsreis","tag-fietstrips","tag-klimmen","tag-spanje"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Rondje Baskenland in het spoor van de Tour<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Rondje Baskenland: in het spoor van de Grand Depart Euskadi - deel 1. We nemen je mee door het prachtige Baskenland. 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