Itzulia is one of the best races on the calendar, it’s always been a favourite of mine. The Basque fans are the best in the world (sorry Flanders), they add the extra 10% that some races are missing. This year, the route is fairly traditional, lots of steep climbs and narrow roads. Juan Ayuso isn’t back to defend his title; the locals would love to see Pello Bilbao or Ion Izagirre going for the win.