Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu reinstated as stage winner after initial disqualification for going wrong way overturned
Updated 09/04/2025 at 19:19 GMT+1
Alex Aranburu has been reinstated as the winner of Stage 3 of the Itzulia Basque Country after initially being disqualified for appearing to take a wrong turn. The Spanish rider appeared to ignore hoardings and go the wrong way around the final roundabout of the race. However, it has now been ruled that he "correctly followed the planned route" and that there had been an "error in the signage".
Rider goes wrong way, wins race… before being disqualified & reinstated as race champion!
Video credit: TNT Sports
Alex Aranburu (Cofidis) has been reinstated as the winner of Stage 3 of the Itzulia Basque Country after his disqualification from the race was overturned.
The Spanish national champion celebrated his first victory in the Cofidis jersey as he crossed the line by himself in his home region.
However, helicopter footage appeared to show the 29-year-old going the wrong way around the final roundabout of the hilly 157-kilometre stage.
He was therefore disqualified after the race and victory was handed to Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ), who had initially finished second ahead of general classification leader Max Schachmann (Soudal QuickStep) in third.
But the decision has now been made to overturn the disqualification, with Aranburu crowned once again as the race winner.
After examining "various pieces of evidence", the Itzulia Basque Country ruled the Spanish rider had "correctly followed the planned route" and that there had been an "error in the signage".
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In a statement on social media, Itzulia Basque Country said: "After receiving and reviewing various pieces of evidence... it was found that all available information indicated that the roundabout in question should have been taken at the location chosen by the Cofidis team rider.
"In this case, the rider correctly followed the planned route. Furthermore, the lead gained by the rider after exiting the roundabout continued to increase until the finish line.
"The organizer has also been consulted, who has confirmed that there was an error in the signage for the roundabout.
"For all these reasons, the College of Commissioners has decided to overturn its initial decision and validate the rider's crossing the finish line."
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Speaking after the initial disqualification, Gregoire told Eurosport: "I saw that he attacked with about a kilometre to go, João Almeida [UAE Emirates-XRG] was closing the gap, then there was a roundabout to the left. Then we didn't see him after that.
"I was just focused on the rider ahead of me, I don't know if there was any race signage. Even if I win, it's not a real victory."
"It's an interesting one," said Matt Winston on TNT Sports commentary. "There was a gap and he went for it. There for sure was security, moto-marshalls forcing him to go round to the left.
"To be honest that's probably what's got him the gap to win the stage there. It could explain a little bit to the reason for Joao Almeida's frustration when he crossed the finish line"
The Spaniard was already leading the race but appeared to establish a bigger gap over the chasing group by taking the turn.
Aranburu, already awarded a yellow card on Stage 2, may find himself subject to further disciplinary action following his disqualification.
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