The 5th stage of the Itzulia cycling race will be its most demanding stage, departing from Bilbao. It will feature two climbs up Izua and a final climb up Usartza via an unfamiliar route near Matxaria, including a section of concrete road. Usartza has an average gradient over 10% where the strongest climbers will look to gain time advantages over their general classification rivals ahead of the race conclusion. The stage is considered classic as it finishes at the Arrate sanctuary, but the Usartza climb via Matxaria adds difficulty.