Jokin Urretabizkaia, known athletically as ‘Basozabal’, claimed the Euskal pentatloia title on Saturday at the bullring in Azpeitia, capturing the championship in his debut appearance in the final. The San Sebastian-born athlete completed the gruelling five-discipline Basque pentathlon course in a total time of 30 minutes and 51 seconds, outdistancing a field that included defending contenders and pre-race favorites.
A Breakthrough Victory in Azpeitia
The championship event tested endurance and versatility across five distinct traditional Basque rural sports, or herri kirolak. Competitors faced a rigorous sequence: cutting three kanaerdikos (large log sections), lifting a 100-kilogram stone ball 25 times, hauling a 400-kilogram stone across three course lengths, completing six lengths with 50-kilogram txingas (iron weights), and finishing with a three-kilometer road race.
Urretabizkaia managed the transition between disciplines cleanly, crossing the line first to secure his inaugural txapela (traditional Basque beret awarded to the winner). «He disfrutado de este deporte como no lo había hecho en los últimos seis años. Va a ser un día que no voy a olvidar», reflected the new champion after claiming the victory.
How the Podium Shook Out
Beñat Telleria of Urnieta finished second, clocking a time of 32 minutes and 33 seconds. Meanwhile, Andoni Iruretagoiena, widely known as Izeta VI, entered the final as the heavy favorite after securing the previous four titles. Izeta VI slipped to the final podium step in third place, finishing with a time of 33 minutes and 34 seconds.
The remainder of the final classification saw Zelai IV finish fourth in 34 minutes and 40 seconds, followed by Julen Kañamares in fifth with a time of 36 minutes and 50 seconds. The competition also saw misfortune for Xabat Olaizola of Zarautz, another competitor heavily tipped for the title, who was forced to abandon the event before completion.
Worth a look
