The heatwave cuts the mileage of the final stage of a Bizkaiko Itzulia that leaves Joel Díaz as the best qualifier

27ª Bizkaiko Itzulia
Stage 4: Balmaseda – Balmaseda (99,7 km)

British rider Thomas William Smith won the 27th edition of the prestigious Bizkaiko Itzulia organised by SC Balmasedana this Sunday after a final stage in which his Zappi teammate George Gray won, slightly ahead of the pack. Joel Díaz finished 20th in the final classification, more than three minutes behind.

Gray was slightly ahead in the small group of fourteen riders that led the race after the climb to Beci, close to the finish. A climb that broke up the race and in which Balazs Pollnar, Manuel Sanroma and Balint Feldhoffer fought to be as far ahead as possible. In the end the three of them arrived in a second small group, 28 seconds behind. Joel Diaz was a minute and a half behind.

The last stage of the Biscayan race was finally held over 67.3 kilometres instead of the 100 kilometres planned due to the instructions of the authorities in view of the high temperatures that were expected these days. According to these instructions, no sporting activity could take place after 12.00 h CET.