Team BikeExchange-Jayco lines up a seven-rider roster for the 2022 edition of Itzulia Basque Country, as the Australian outfit heads to northern Spain prepared to take up the challenge of hunting stages.
One for the climbers, the team is well-equipped for the demands of the race with Lucas Hamilton, Tanel Kangert and Nick Schultz all ready for what the race will throw at riders. Jesús David Peña will also make his WorldTour debut with the team.
Tsgabu Grmay and Jan Maas will be alert to any chances of breakaways, and Jack Bauer returns to action following a two-month injury lay-off.
The WorldTour race, famous for its stunning scenery, passionate fans and demanding parcours, will be an intense six days, kicking off with a 7.5km individual time trial, followed by five stages packed with rolling terrain. The final stage, from Eibar to Arrate, will be the queen stage and will make for an entertaining finale.
Team BikeExchange-Jayco Line-Up
Jack Bauer (NZL)
Tsgabu Grmay (ETH)
Lucas Hamilton (AUS)
Tanel Kangert (EST)
Jan Maas (NED)
Jesús David Peña (COL)
Nick Schultz (AUS)
Nick Schultz
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into racing at Itzulia Basque Country. I’ve had quite a few mishaps since the start of the year, so personally I’d just really like to get through the race and build form without having any bad luck, illness or injury hitting me.
I’m also looking forward to being back with the team and chasing good results, whether that’s with myself or with other riders on the team.
It’ll be great to be back in the bunch and to be in one of the best areas for cycling in Spain, with the fans. The roads there lend themselves to aggressive and exciting racing.”
Matt White – Head Sport Director
“We’re heading to Basque Country looking for opportunities wherever they may present themselves. This is a real chance for some of our guys who don’t often get the opportunity to ride for individual results to really have a go at riding for themselves, and we’ll be ready to go for it as a team.
It’s also a chance to test ourselves and go up against some of the best stage racers in the world, and of course the Basque fans always give us an amazing welcome.
Jack Bauer’s back after a couple of months out with injury, so it’ll be great to see him back in action too.”
2022 Itzulia Basque Country – Race Details
Monday, 4th April, Stage 1: Hondarribia – Hondarribia (ITT), 7.5km
Tuesday, 5th April, Stage 2: Leitza – Viana, 207.9km
Wednesday, 6th April, Stage 3: Laudio – Amurrio, 181.7km
Thursday, 7th April, Stage 4: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Ingeteam Parke Zamudio, 185.6km
Friday, 8th April, Stage 5: Ingeteam Parke Zamudio – Mallabia, 163.7km
Saturday, 9th April, Stage 6: Eibar – Arrate, 135.7km
Photo: Getty Sport
