The stage from Errenteria to Villabona was another tough one with two long climbs and a handful of steep hills. After the six early escapees were caught with 25 kilometres to go, several riders tried to escape. Thanks in part to the efforts by Attila Valter, everything came together in the final kilometre.

On the heavy ascent in a vineyard, Vingegaard waited for his chance to attack. At the finish, he was clear of his closest rivals. "I am thrilled and proud that I was able to finish the team's work", Vingegaard said.

"Itzulia Basque Country is one of my favourite races, so to win here is amazing. It was a very tough last climb, although the other climbs were also tough. The guys worked their butts off again, and luckily I had the legs to finish it off. I'm very grateful to them."

Vingegaard says he will do everything possible to keep the yellow leader's jersey. "It is a challenging race to control; we have seen that in recent years", he said. "I think we are strong enough to keep the jersey, but we have to take it one day at a time."

For Team Jumbo-Visma, it is already the 21st victory of the season. It marks Vingegaard's fifth triumph of the year.