Ordizia Classic cycling race hosts 103rd edition with top WorldTour riders

The 103rd edition of the Ordizia Classic (Clásica de Ordizia) takes place on 25 July, marking the biggest day of the cycling calendar in the Basque town. First held in 1922, the race was only paused in 1936‑37 during the Spanish Civil War. Nineteen teams entered, including four WorldTour squads – UAE Team Emirates, Movistar Team, Jayco‑Alula and XDS Astana – alongside a field of regional squads.

The 167‑km circuit features five categorized climbs, the most decisive being the Abaltzisketa ascent (2.9 km at an average 7.4% gradient, with sections nearing 13%). Riders also face the non‑scored Gaintza climb and a short downhill before each lap finishes in Ordizia. Defending champion Igor Arrieta of UAE Team Emirates aims to secure a second classic title after winning the previous edition, joined on the podium last year by Isaac del Toro and Antonio Morgado. Other favourites include Kevin Vermaerke, Antonio Morgado, Christian Scaroni and Diego Ulissi. The race is broadcast live from noon on YouTube.