Basauri: Coming up just short in a thrilling finale at Itzulia Basque Country, Igor Arrieta rode to second place on stage 3 for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. On a punchy uphill finish in Basauri, the young Basque native lost out to the fast finisher Axel Laurance of Ineos Grenadiers.
According to Emirates News Agency, it had been a significant battle to get into the select group of riders that pulled ahead, but it was a fight that Arrieta would not let go. Once in the lead, Arrieta worked diligently to extend the breakaway's advantage. This gave the break an advantage of a minute and a half heading into the penultimate climb of the day, which was a healthy gap but required the riders to work well to reach the finish before the peloton.
On the penultimate climb of Bikotx Gane, Arrieta pressed ahead alongside seven other riders, including Laurance, the eventual stage winner. These riders increased the front group's advantage over the peloton to two minutes on the last climb of the stage. Using his local knowledge, Arrieta pressed on over the summit of the final climb, known as the Sarasola, with only Laurance able to follow his wheel. Together, they created a gap over their breakaway companions and worked in unison to ensure they would contest the stage victory between them.
Once in sight of the finish town, Arrieta aimed to conserve his energy, knowing that Laurance was a strong contender for the uphill finish. Arrieta opened up his kick for the line in Basauri, hoping to dislodge the Frenchman. However, Laurance passed Arrieta with only 75m remaining. Despite missing out on the victory, Arrieta's efforts were rewarded with the combativity prize and a spot on the day's podium. It was a commendable performance for the man from Navarre.
