The finish line is now deserted, with structures and barriers dismantled when the Jury's counter-order arrives: Alex Aranburu is the winner of the third stage of the Itzulia Basque Country.

The Spaniard and his Cofidis team can celebrate the victory in the third stage of the Itzulia Basque Country. The news arrives at dinner time, after the College of Commissaires has concluded its appropriate checks, taken a new decision, and issued communications regarding today's stage - the 156-kilometer Zarautz / Beasain - which the 29-year-old native of Ezkio had finished with his arms raised.

In the document made public by the organizers, it reads: "Following the initial footage received, we decided to disqualify rider number 51 for 'deviation from the race course that constitutes an advantage', as the images seemed to show that the cyclist had taken the roundabout in a way that deviated from the marked route. However, after receiving and examining additional evidence, including Veloviewer data, the roadbook, and the team's information, it became clear that all available information indicated that the roundabout in question should be taken in the way chosen by the Cofidis rider. In accordance with Article 1.2.064 of the UCI regulations, which establishes that 'Riders must study the route in advance'. In this case, the cyclist correctly followed the indicated route. Moreover, the rider's advantage continued to increase after exiting the roundabout and until the finish line. The race organizer was also consulted and confirmed that there had been a signage error at the roundabout in question. Therefore, the College of Commissaires has decided to overturn its initial decision, and the rider's passage at the finish line is confirmed as valid."

However, after receiving and examining additional evidence, including Veloviewer data, the roadbook, and the team's information, it became clear that all available information indicated that the roundabout in question should be taken in the way chosen by the Cofidis rider. In accordance with Article 1.2.064 of the UCI regulations, which establishes that "Riders must study the route in advance". In this case, the cyclist correctly followed the indicated route".

WORDS FROM THE COFIDIS TEAM. Sporting Director Bingen Fernandez explains: "We experienced a rollercoaster of emotions this afternoon. We went from euphoria to disappointment, feeling we could win, but it didn't feel the same. We had studied the route carefully, and the right turn at the roundabout was specified in the roadbook. Alex was in front, navigating the roundabouts and knew he had to go right because he grew up on these roads and knows them well. Today he was the strongest and deserved this victory. Fortunately, after receiving and examining various pieces of evidence, including Veloviewer data, the road book, and information provided by the team, it was discovered that all available information indicated that the roundabout in question should have been taken from the location chosen by our rider. At that point, Alex already had a comfortable advantage and was heading towards a well-deserved victory. And now it is also recognized."

THE STAGE - The first mountain stage of this year's edition started from Zarautz without yesterday's winner Caleb Ewan and without Campenaerts, who crashed a few kilometers from the Pamplona finish line. The route chosen by the organizers to reach the Beasain finish line was dotted with mountain passes and provided many attacks, some breakaways, and much selection.

About fifty kilometers from the finish, Spaniard Marc Soler (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) launched a breakaway, pursued and caught by the French riders Clément Berthet (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) and Rudy Molard (Groupama - FDJ). The leading trio passed the Intermediate Sprint with a 1'10" advantage over the group and then began to tackle the slopes of Alto de Gaintza. Clément Berthet remained alone at the front, cresting with a handful of seconds over his former breakaway companions and 1'00" over the very selected peloton.

Behind the escapee, the situation changed again when, approaching the day's final Intermediate Sprint, the general classification leader Maximilian Schachmann along with Florian Lipowitz, Aleksandr Vlasov, Guillaume Martin, Harold Tejada, and five other riders attacked, trying to drop Almeida, his direct rival in the classification.

On the Alto de Lazkaomendi, 6 kilometers from the conclusion, Clément Berthet's solo adventure ended, and the battle among the classification riders began. Between a surge by Lipowitz, an acceleration by Schachmann, and Almeida's attempt to sprint towards the finish, it was Aranburu who could not mount the podium.

FINISH ORDER

1. Aranburu Alex (Cofidis) in 03:45:21
2. Grégoire Romain (Groupama-FDJ) + 03
3. Schachmann Max (Soudal Quick-Step)
4. Almeida Joao (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
5. Mas Enric (Movistar Team)
6. Skjelmose Mattias (Lidl-Trek)
7. Kelderman Wilco (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)
8. Lipowitz Florian (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe)
9. Cras Steff (Team TotalEnergies)
10. Van Wilder Ilan (Soudal Quick-Step)