2024 Donostia – San Sebastián Klasikoa Preview: The Clásica San Sebastián – or, in case you desire, the Donostia Klasikoa – is that this Saturday. The Basque one-day race heralds the finale of the biking season with la Vuelta a España, the World championships and Il Lombardia to return. Who will win the 2024 version of this powerful Spanish Basic? Jonas Vingegaard is now driving. Right here is the ‘PEZ Preview’.
Teaser Clásica San Sebastián 2024
A Brief Race Historical past
The very first Clásica San Sebastián was in 1981 was gained by Marino Lejarreta. The Clásica is a relatively younger race and this yr the ‘Klasikoa Donostia’ will happen the Saturday earlier than the beginning of los angeles Vuelta a España, its extra common spot.
Xavier Florencio – The 2006 winner
Probably the most exceptional editions of the Clásica San Sebastián was in 2006, when it was gained by the 26 year-old Xavier Florencio, who was the quickest from a big group. He had by no means gained knowledgeable bike race, and he by no means gained one other. He did end ninth twice in what will need to have been his favorite race. Florencio joined an inventory of spectacular winners: Miguel Indurain (1990), Gianni Bugno (1991) and Lance Armstrong in 1995, after final place in 1992 on his debut as knowledgeable rider. After Florencio, Philippe Gilbert (2011), Julian Alaphilippe (2018) and Remco Evenepoel (2019, 2022 and 2023).
Greg van Avermaet ought to have gained in 2015
4 riders have gained twice: Francesco Casagrande, Laurent Jalabert, Alejandro Valverde and Luis León Sánchez. Final yr Remco Evenepoel joined Marino Lejarreta as document holders, on three wins every. Lejarreta gained the Clásica San Sebastián in 1981, 1982 and 1987. Evenepoel in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Three-time winner – Marino Lajarreta
Final ten winners:
2023: Remco Evenepoel
2022: Remco Evenepoel
2021: Neilson Powless
2020: No race as a result of covid
2019: Remco Evenepoel
2018: Julian Alaphilippe
2017: Michal Kwiatkowski
2016: Bauke Mollema
2015: Adam Yates
2014: Alejandro Valverde.
The opposite three-time winner – Remco Evenepoel
The 2023 Version
As anticipated by many, World champion, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step) gained his third Clásica San Sebastián, however he needed to combat out a last dash with Tour stage winner Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) after dropping Aleksandr Vlasov (BORA-hansgrohe) on the ultimate climb.
The race didn’t begin properly for Evenepoel, because the World champion crashed within the neutralised zone. The Belgian had no issues, as a result of he instantly obtained again on his bike to proceed. Biniam Girmay wasn’t as fortunate. He got here down with Evenepoel and continued, however finally needed to abandon. When the official begin was given, there was a giant combat to get into the ‘break of the day’. After 40 kilometres, 5 riders managed to flee. They had been Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich), Nathan Van Hooydonck (Jumbo-Visma), Franck Bonnamour (AG2R Citroën), Julien Bernard (Lidl-Trek) and residential rider, Mikel Iturria (Euskaltel-Euskadi). The 5 took a lead of virtually 5 minutes. The peloton, led by Soudal Fast-Step and Bahrain Victorious, didn’t let the hole get any greater. On the Jaizkibel, with a couple of 100 kilometres to go, the lead fell to lower than 3 minutes. Nevertheless, the break didn’t ease up and dropped Bonnamour. There was additionally motion within the peloton. Quinten Hermans, Iván García Cortina and Lawson Craddock tried to cross to the early escapees.
On the Erlaitz (4km at 10.3%) the three chasers had been caught, however instantly there was one other counter-attack. Remco Evenepoel made his transfer 73 kilometres to go. Solely Aleksandr Vlasov, Alberto Bettiol and Pello Bilbao had been in a position to go together with him. The 4 joined Bardet and Van Hooydonck, the final remaining members of the break. The six put the stress on within the valley after the Erlaitz. On the foot of the Mendizorrotz (4.1km at 7.3%), the penultimate climb of the day, that they had a lead of 1:15 over thinned peloton, the place Movistar and Lidl-Trek had tried to tug the leaders again. Bauke Mollema had missed all of the strikes and was in a second peloton. On the Mendizorrotz, Evenepoel attacked within the main group. Van Hooydonck and Bardet, who had been within the break all day, had been the primary to be distanced. Then it was the flip of Bettiol. Within the peloton, Felix Gall tried to get throughout with Tiesj Benoot. Later, the Belgian was changed by Mikel Landa. In the back of the group, the Spanish favourites Carlos Rodríguez and Juan Ayuso had been in bother.
Landa and Gall had been joined a little bit later by Alex Aranburu, Jakob Fuglsang and Rui Costa, however within the run-up to the Murgil-Tontorra (2.1km at 9.8%) they fell again within the peloton. That peloton can be driving for fourth place. UAE Staff Emirates continued to chase, however the distinction on the foot of the Murgil had elevated to three minutes. Evenepoel took the lead within the first kilometre of the climb, however couldn’t do away with the opposite two. On the second a part of the climb Vlasov was dropped. Bilbao went with Evenepoel and was in a position to come to the entrance. The 2 had been collectively as they crossed the summit and would combat it out for the victory. The 2023 Clásica San Sebastian would come right down to a dash from these two. Evenepoel was in second place and began a protracted dash. The World champion was in a position to sustain his effort and maintain off Bilbao to win the Clásica San Sebastián for the third time. Bilbao was second, Vlasov third. Behind that Neilson Powless rode to fourth place, Ion Izagirre was fifth.
2023 Clásica San Sebastián Consequence:
1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast Step in 5:30:59
2. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious
3. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:28
4. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Training-EasyPost at 2:50
5. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Cofidis at 2:57
6. Toms Skujiņš (Lat) Lidl-Trek at 3:02
7. Alex Aranburu (Spa) Movistar
8. Rui Costa (Por) Intermarché-Circus-Wanty
9. Andrea Bagioli (Ita) Soudal Fast-Step
10. Tiesj Benoot (Bel) Jumbo-Visma.
2023 Clásica San Sebastián
2024 Route
The route is completely different once more in comparison with earlier years as a result of adjustments within the roads and for security causes. On this version, the riders must cowl 236km, 6 greater than final yr, to take house the txapela within the Zurriola. There are seven categorised mountain passes, however there are additionally many different brief climbs. The principle obstacles are: Andazarate, Azkarate, Urraki, Alkiza, Jaizkibel, Erlaitz and Pilotegi. The final one is new and is being launched within the Clásica to switch Murgil. The additionally Pilotegi is a climb that’s simply as demanding as Murgil or Bordako Tontorra with ramps of as much as 27%. There may be additionally two intermediate sprints that are on the first crossing of the end line and after 219.5 kilometres, passing by way of the finish-line.
Clásica San Sebastián route
The route of 236 kilometres has over 4,400 metres of climbing, excellent for the anti-gravity males and puncheurs. There may be lots of climbing early on, though nothing too arduous, the ultimate 70 kilometres will resolve the race with 4 key climbs. The primary is the Jaizkibel, which is 7.4 kilometres lengthy at 5.8% and summits with 60 kilometres to go together with a technical descent.
The Jaizkibel – Nonetheless 60km to go
The ascent of the Erlaitz is subsequent with its summit at 40 kilometres from the end, it averages at over 10.4% for 4 kilometres. An excellent place to assault, however with a protracted technique to go, in case your title isn’t Remco. Variations could be made right here and a few rider’s hopes could be dashed. A plateau follows earlier than descending into San Sebastián for the primary time. Then there may be the race’s new last climb. It’s not completely new, as it’s subsequent different climbs which have been used earlier than, in actual fact it’s the similar hill, however utilizing completely different roads. The Pilotegi is brief at 2.1 kilometres at a mean of 11.3%, however simply earlier than the summit it reaches a gradient of 27%, from there, there are 7.9 kilometres to go to the end. It has been described as ‘a brutal goat monitor’ and may both break up any group or verify the winner. The descent to the end is technical and quick, as soon as down there are solely 3 kilometres to go on a quick flat street into San Sebastián.
Clásica San Sebastián profile
Saturday 08/10/2024
Distance: 236
Climbs: 7
Sprints: 2
Signal-on: 9:18 – 10:33
Neutralised Depart: 10:46.
Primoz Roglič won’t begin
*** Primoz Roglič has introduced that he won’t begin the Clásica San Sebastián, however Jonas Vingegaard will probably be on the beginning line. ***
The Race Favourites
The celebs of the summer season, Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, won’t be initially of the Clásica San Sebastián, so choosing a high favorite is much more tough that earlier editions. Primoz Roglič won’t begin. He needed to abandon the Tour de France in July after a foul crash and was on the start-list of the Clásica, however has determined to remain at house. Pink Bull-BORA-hansgrohe additionally has Jai Hindley and Daniel Felipe Martínez to fill the hole.
Julian Alaphilippe gained in 2018, however…
Soudal Fast-Step are with out Evenepoel. The double Olympic champion is getting ready for the Zurich World Championships, however the Belgian staff nonetheless has Julian Alaphilippe and Mikel Landa, who, on their day are two robust clients. Alaphilippe gained a stage within the Czech Tour and rode an excellent Olympic street race, whereas Landa very spectacular within the Tour de France. If the opposite high riders let Alaphilippe slip away, he might maintain them off. and in the event that they look forward to the ultimate climb, Landa might shock.
Marc Hirschi can experience an excellent one-day and is in kind
UAE Staff Emirates have a 3 pronged assault with Marc Hirschi, Pavel Sivakov and Isaac Del Toro. Hirschi would look to be the chief as he’s in high kind. He gained the Czech Tour and was on the entrance in Paris. Hirschi is a winner, however appears to have issue on the large day.
Pello Bilbao – Second final yr
Santiago Buitrago and Pello Bilbao will probably be initially for Bahrain Victorious. The 2 climbers might take the win on the final steep climb or go together with a bunch on one of many earlier climbs. Bilbao was an excellent second final yr to Evenepoel.
Richard Carapaz – One to look at
Richard Carapaz can even experience the Clásica San Sebastián. The Ecuadorian will probably be out to indicate that he ought to have been driving the Olympic street race and never watching it, due to his nationwide selectors. If he has held his kind from the Tour, he’s one other high favorite. His EF Training-EasyPost staff mate, Neilson Powless, may very well be a giant assist or experience on his personal account.
Maxim Van Gils – Perhaps?
Lotto Dstny has two males who might do one thing within the Basque Nation: Maxim Van Gils and Andreas Kron. Van Gils has had an excellent season, the younger Belgian had lots of good leads to the spring, however within the Tour de France, Van Gils was no the place and deserted on stage 16.
Simon Yates rode into kind within the final week of the Tour
Simon Yates rode a robust Tour de France and regarded higher within the last week and got here near stage wins on two events.
Sepp Kuss gained in Burgos on Wednesday
Visma | Lease a Bike appears to be like very robust on paper with a number of riders who can carry out properly on this course. The staff has climbers Sepp Kuss and Wilco Kelderman and in addition the Classics specialist, Tiesj Benoot. The change of the ultimate climb makes it tougher for Benoot, but when he can get away earlier than the steep climb of the Pilotegi, he has an opportunity. The Belgian had good kind on the Olympic Video games and will play his card early and Kuss might end the job.
Newest up-date: Jonas Vingegaard Provides San Sebastian to his Program
After a protracted rehabilitation and his subsequent second place within the Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard took a brief relaxation and after an excellent coaching block, the Dane is now prepared for the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa and the Tour de Pologne. His Visma | Lease a Bike staff introduced in a press launch. “I used to be very drained after the Tour. I did nothing in any respect for 5 days. I recharged my battery after which began coaching once more. That each one went properly. For the time being I really feel recent once more and I’m prepared to begin the following two races. San Sebastian and the Tour of Poland are two very good races. Furthermore, I’ve a particular bond with Poland. I booked my first victory within the WorldTour there,” mentioned Vingegaard, who has set his sights on the ultimate victory in Poland.
Jonas Vingegaard will experience the Clásica San Sebastián on Saturday
“It’s going to after all be particular to return to the Basque Nation, after all the pieces that occurred there just a few months in the past. Luckily, I even have lots of nice recollections of that area, so I’m actually trying ahead to biking there once more in competitors.” Vingegaard is formidable for each races. “In Poland, the start can even be very powerful. There may be additionally a really powerful stage on the finish of the race, so we must be targeted all week. I’ve set my sights on grabbing the ultimate victory this yr, however after all the competitors shouldn’t be underestimated. I hope to combat for the best attainable in each races.”
Younger Frenchman Lenny Martinez on his household ‘house soil’ – His grand father, Mariano Martinez, was born in Burgos
There are lots of ‘Exterior Likelihood’ riders: Giulio Ciccone & Bauke Mollema (Lidl-Trek), Alex Aranburu & Oier Lazkano (Movistar), Ion Izagirre (Cofidis), Axel Laurance (Alpecin-Deceunick), Steff Cras (TotalEnergies), Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers), Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ), Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) and Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich-PostNL).
The checklist of riders wasn’t confirmed on the time of penning this preview, so there is likely to be adjustments.
The High Picks:
Favourites: Marc Hirschi
Can be up there: Julian Alaphilippe, Richard Carapaz, Jonas Vingegaard
Probables: Maxim Van Gils, Pello Bilbao
Outsiders: Santiago Buitrago, Mikel Landa, Simon Yates, Giulio Ciccone, Tiesj Benoot.
Keep PEZ for the ‘Race Report’ on Saturday and all of the information in EUROTRASH Monday.
# Due to WielerFlits and ProCyclingStats for the info and figures. #
A glance again at Clásica San Sebastián 2014
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