Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar) claims victory at the 79th Circuito de Getxo with a powerful attack on the uphill finish, outlasting top contenders like Quinn Simmons and Clement Champoussin in scorching 40°C heat. Read the full race recap and final standings
In a thrilling finish at the 79th edition of the Circuito de Getxo – Memorial Hermanos Otxoa, Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar) emerged victorious with a powerful attack on the brutal uphill finish.
The Basque race, known for its challenging terrain and intense competition, saw Barrenetxea claim a well-deserved win after outlasting some of the top contenders in the final kilometers.
As the race approached its decisive moments, the final climb proved to be the battleground for victory. Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) and Clement Champoussin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) were among those vying for the top spot.
However, Simmons struggled on the final ascent, allowing Champoussin to push forward and secure second place. Orluis Aular (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) completed the podium with a strong third-place finish.
The day was characterized by extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already grueling race.
Early on, a breakaway group managed to establish a lead, but they were eventually caught with 50 kilometers remaining, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
As the peloton tackled the race’s final circuits, the group began to splinter, leaving only 20 riders in contention. Among them were several notable names, including Javier Romo and Einer Rubio from Movistar, Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny), Champoussin, Simmons, and Barrenetxea.
The steep 10% gradients of the Alto de Pike took their toll, shedding riders one by one until only the strongest remained.
In the final ascent into Getxo, Barrenetxea timed his attack perfectly, surging ahead of the competition and crossing the finish line as the victor. His powerful ride not only secured the win but also showcased his potential as a rising star in the world of professional cycling.
Final Standings
| Position | Rider | Team | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jon Barrenetxea | Movistar | Spain |
| 2 | Clement Champoussin | Arkéa-B&B Hotels | France |
| 3 | Orluis Aular | Caja Rural-Seguros RGA | Venezuela |
| 4 | Quinn Simmons | Lidl-Trek | USA |
| 5 | Javier Romo | Movistar | Spain |
| 6 | Einer Rubio | Movistar | Colombia |
| 7 | Maxim Van Gils | Lotto Dstny | Belgium |
| 8 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 9 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| 10 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Barrenetxea’s triumph at the Circuito de Getxo adds another highlight to his season and cements his reputation as a formidable climber. As the cycling world turns its attention to the next set of races, all eyes will be on this young rider to see how he continues to develop and challenge the sport’s elite.
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