Evenepoel Chases A Historic Fourth Victory In San Sebastián

Remco Evenepoel returns to competition this Saturday with the chance to become the first four-time winner of the Clásica San Sebastián. The Belgian already triumphed in 2019, 2022 and 2023 and currently shares the record of three victories with Marino Lejarreta.

The 45th edition covers 221.1 kilometres through Gipuzkoa, with 175 riders representing 25 teams. The succession of climbs and technical descents makes the race difficult to control, particularly for riders returning to competition only a few days after completing the Tour de France.

Jaizkibel will provide the first major selection, although its position around 60 kilometres from the finish makes it more likely to weaken the peloton than decide the winner. Erlaitz should trigger more serious attacks before the final confrontation on Murgil-Tontorra.

Murgil’s narrow ramps reach approximately 20% and come with only ten kilometres remaining. Any gap created there can be defended on the rapid descent towards San Sebastián, making the final climb the most obvious launching point for Evenepoel and the other favourites.

The Belgian faces an exceptionally strong field. Defending champion Giulio Ciccone, Primož Roglič, Mikel Landa, Julian Alaphilippe, Ben Healy, Enric Mas, Pello Bilbao and Cian Uijtdebroeks are among the principal threats. Evenepoel carries the weight of history, but the Basque roads rarely reward riders who wait too long or underestimate an early attack.