Stage 4 of the 2026 Vuelta a Burgos covers 178 km from Palazuelos de Muñó to Briviesca over a hilly profile that concludes with a flat finish. The terrain will string out the peloton on the climbs but ultimately favour riders who can combine punchy climbing with the ability to contest or survive a reduced sprint. At 2.Pro level, expect aggressive racing from teams with multiple climbers.
★★★★
Topfavoriet
Oscar Onley is the standout pick: a Hills rating of 78 shared only with Ciccone and Mas, combined with an average finishing position of 19.0 and a win in similar-profile races, places him above the field. INEOS Grenadiers arrive with a deep roster and Onley appears to be their protected leader for this stage.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Oscar Onley tops the Hills stat (78) alongside the field's best climbers and has the best recent form among the elite tier with an average position of 19.0 from 5 hilly-profile races, including a win. His INEOS Grenadiers support and upcoming schedule suggest he arrives at Burgos in peak condition.
★★★
Sterke Kanshebbers
Giulio Ciccone and Ben Tulett are genuine threats at the top level. Ciccone's attacking flair on hilly terrain is well-documented and his 78 Hills score is elite, while Tulett's consistent podium record (best of 2nd) in hilly races shows he can deliver when it matters.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Ben Tulett posts the fifth-best average position (23.2) in hilly-profile races with two podiums and a best result of 2nd, backed by a Hills stat of 76. His Visma – Lease a Bike team offers strong tactical support, and his upcoming Vuelta and Lombardia calendar confirms he is mid-season peak.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Giulio Ciccone shares the top Hills rating of 78 and is a proven attacker on undulating terrain who can animate a hilly stage with a flat finish. His upcoming Canadian Classics schedule suggests he is building form, and his Legendary rarity reflects his quality at this race profile.
★★
Buitenbeentjes
Enric Mas and Mikel Landa both carry 77–78 Hills ratings and climbing scores of 79, placing them among the most technically suited riders in the field. Léo Bisiaux rounds out this tier with the form data to back up his rating, having recently podiumed in a similar-profile race.
Movistar
Movistar
Enric Mas brings a Hills rating of 78 and elite climbing credentials (79 Climbing) as a Legendary card, making him a dangerous presence on a hilly stage. His preparation for La Vuelta means this race fits squarely in his build-up window.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Léo Bisiaux has the most consistent recent form data among the 75-Hills group with an average position of 28.7 and a best result of 3rd in similar-profile races. His upcoming Vuelta start suggests serious form, and his Decathlon CMA CGM team has depth in this race.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa's Hills stat of 77 and climbing score of 79 make him one of the strongest pure climbers in the field, capable of attacking on the hilly approach. His upcoming Czech Tour and Vuelta schedule suggests he is in an active racing phase.
★
Om in de Gaten te Houden
Laurence Pithie's extraordinary recent win rate (5 victories in 16 hilly races) makes him hard to ignore despite a lower Hills stat. Kevin Vermaerke's field-best average position of 13.4 is equally compelling. Carlos Rodríguez and Felix Gall add Legendary-card quality and Vuelta build-up motivation to complete the outsider tier.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Carlos Rodríguez carries a Hills rating of 76 and a strong Climbing score of 77 as a Legendary card, and he has been active in hilly races with a best result of 8th. His INEOS Grenadiers squad alongside Onley adds tactical flexibility.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Felix Gall boasts an elite Hills/Climbing combination of 77/79 as a Legendary card and is preparing for La Vuelta, making this a logical form-building race. His Decathlon CMA CGM team has multiple cards in play, increasing his chances of a high finish.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Kevin Vermaerke has the best average finishing position (13.4) in similar-profile races across the entire startlist, with two podiums and a best of 2nd. His Hills stat of 75 is solid enough to stay competitive on this undulating but flat-finish stage.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Laurence Pithie leads the entire field in recent hilly-race form with an average position of 16.6, five wins, eight podiums, and 11 top-10s from 16 races — remarkable volume. However his Hills stat of 73 is modest, limiting his ceiling on a genuinely hilly stage compared to the top-rated climbers.
Verdict
Oscar Onley is the top favourite, combining the highest Hills rating in the field with the best recent form among the elite climbers and strong INEOS Grenadiers support. Giulio Ciccone and Ben Tulett are the most dangerous challengers, while Enric Mas and Mikel Landa could spring a surprise if they target the stage.