What Is 2013 Tour of the Basque Country

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Tour of the Basque Country, held from April 1 to April 6, 2013, was a six-stage professional cycling race won by Nairo Quintana of Colombia, marking his first major stage race victory.

Key Facts

The 2013 Tour of the Basque Country took place from April 1 to April 6, 2013.
It consisted of six stages, covering approximately 930 kilometers of racing.
Colombian rider Nairo Quintana won the general classification at age 23.
Quintana rode for the Movistar Team and secured victory with a strong performance on the final time trial.
The race is officially known as Itzulia Basque Country and is part of the UCI World Tour.

Overview

The 2013 Tour of the Basque Country, officially known as Itzulia Basque Country, was a prestigious stage race on the UCI World Tour calendar. Held from April 1 to April 6, the event attracted top professional cycling teams from around the globe, showcasing aggressive racing in the mountainous terrain of northern Spain.

As a key early-season stage race, the 2013 edition served as a critical test for climbers and all-rounders preparing for Grand Tours later in the year. The race featured a mix of hilly stages, time trials, and challenging finishes, making it a favorite among fans and riders alike.

Stage 1 began in Elgoibar and covered 159 kilometers, won by Belgian rider Tony Gallopin in a breakaway finish.
Stage 2 ran from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Trapagaran, a 167-kilometer route featuring steep climbs, won by Joaquim Rodríguez.
Stage 3 stretched 172 kilometers from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Eibar, with Simon Špilak taking the stage after a late attack.
Stage 4 was a 150-kilometer leg from Eibar to Beasain, where Rodríguez claimed his second stage win.
Stage 5 included a 32-kilometer individual time trial from Beasain to Zumárraga, decisive in shaping the final GC standings.

How It Works

The Tour of the Basque Country is structured as a multi-day stage race with cumulative time determining the overall winner. Each stage contributes to the general classification, with time bonuses awarded at finishes and intermediate sprints.

General Classification (GC): The rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wins the yellow jersey. In 2013, Nairo Quintana led after Stage 5 and held on through the final stage.
Time Bonuses: Riders earn 10, 6, and 4 seconds for top-three finishes on each stage, crucial in tight GC battles like the 2013 edition.
King of the Mountains: Points are awarded at categorized climbs; in 2013, Juan Antonio López won this classification riding for Euskaltel-Euskadi.
Points Classification: Awarded to the most consistent finisher; Alejandro Valverde claimed this jersey in 2013 with strong top-10 stage results.
Team Classification: Based on the combined times of the top three riders per team each day; Movistar Team won in 2013 due to Quintana and Valverde’s performances.
Stage Types: The 2013 race included four road stages, one individual time trial, and no rest days, testing endurance and tactical depth.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Tour of the Basque Country with recent editions to highlight key differences in format, winners, and race dynamics:

Year	Winner	Winner’s Nationality	Team	Time Trial Length
2013	Nairo Quintana	Colombia	Movistar	32 km
2012	Chris Horner	USA	Radioshack-Nippon	26 km
2011	Samuel Sánchez	Spain	Euskaltel-Euskadi	16.5 km
2010	Alberto Contador	Spain	Astana	29 km
2009	Alberto Contador	Spain	Astana	30.3 km

The 2013 edition stood out for its youthful champion—Quintana was just 23 years old—and marked a shift toward emerging climbers from South America. Unlike previous years dominated by Spanish riders, the 2013 race signaled a more international competitive field, with time trials playing a decisive role in GC outcomes.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Tour of the Basque Country had significant implications for the season’s cycling narrative, elevating Nairo Quintana as a rising Grand Tour contender. His victory announced Colombia’s growing influence in professional cycling and demonstrated Movistar’s strategic depth.

Quintana’s win made him the first Colombian to win the Basque Country race, a milestone for Latin American cycling.
The race highlighted the importance of time trialing in stage races, as Quintana gained over 45 seconds on rivals in the Stage 5 time trial.
It served as a key form indicator for the 2013 Tour de France, where Quintana finished second overall.
The event boosted tourism in the Basque region, drawing over 100,000 spectators across the six stages.
It reinforced the UCI World Tour’s global reach, with live broadcasts in over 30 countries.
The 2013 edition contributed to the growing popularity of climbing specialists in early-season stage races.

Ultimately, the 2013 Tour of the Basque Country was more than just a race—it was a launching pad for a new generation of cycling talent and a testament to the sport’s evolving geography and competitive dynamics.