Published on : 05/17/2026
In a demanding final stage around San Sebastián, our climber held on in the Basque hills to claim the Best Young Rider classification at the Tour of the Basque Country.
It was under the Gipuzkoa sun that the Itzulia Women 2026 came to a close: 113.1 km and 1,840 m of elevation around Donostia, featuring the Jaizkibel and the formidable Mendizorrotz, placed just 10 km from the finish line.
Nadia Quagliotto made a solo move 47 km from the finish, before the favourites settled their differences on the final slopes of the Mendizorrotz. Ema Comte held on in the chasing group and crossed the line in 19th place, one minute behind the lead group, enough to seal the Best Young Rider jersey. A strong result that reflects her impressive progression since turning professional. Well done also to Nikola Noskova, who takes home the Most Combative Rider award for her attacking race over the 3 days of racing.
Arthur Quilliec, sports director:
"It was pretty much the day we expected. We thought there would be more selection on the first climb, but it didn't quite happen that way. We stayed active after that, managed to get into the breakaway, but it was a bit locked down and the big teams didn't want to let anyone go. In the end, Ema secured her position on the final climb, coming in one minute behind the lead group. She wins the young rider classification. It's a really great achievement, it confirms the progression she has shown since the start of the season. It's a real satisfaction."