All the terrain in Basque Country can be described as hilly, making this race perfect for climbers.  While not traveling over the high mountains of the nearby Pyrenees, there are few flat stages in this race and the steep climbs are used by many climbers to test how their fitness is coming along.  Reigning champion is team rider Andreas Klöden, with teammate Chris Horner taking the previous edition.  The Tour of the Basque sends cycling-crazed Basque fans to the roadside to cheer their favorites and the winner wears a traditional beret to celebrate the history of the region.