Egan Bernal and Julian Alaphilippe to ride Clásica San Sebastián, according to reports
The stars of the Tour de France could be back on the road after just a week
The two biggest stars of the Tour de France 2019 could return to racing this weekend at the Clásica San Sebastián, according to reports in Spanish media
Race winner Egan Bernal (Team Ineos) and French star Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step are both believed to be returning to the Spanish one-day race on Saturday (August 3) after phenomenal rides from both in the Tour.
Alaphilippe became the shock frontrunner to win the Tour as he held the yellow jersey for 15 days until the penultimate mountain stage, while Bernal emerged victorious, finally breaking Alaphilippe on a dramatic stage 19.
Newspaper El Diario Vasco reports that Alaphilippe will race in Spain before heading to the Tour of Germany in late August, while Spanish news outlet AS say that Bernal will "possibly" ride San Sebastián.
>>> Vincenzo Nibali’s coach shares staggering power data from Val Thorens Tour de France victory
Last year’s San Sebastián was won by Alaphilippe during his breakthrough season, as he launched an explosive attack with Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) on the final climb.
Mollema and Alaphilippe reached the line together for a two-up sprint, which Alaphilippe took comfortably.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Bernal wasn’t so fortunate in the 2018 edition, as a touch of wheels on the run to the Murgil Tontorra caused a huge crash that took out several pre-race favourites.
The young Colombian, riding his first season at WorldTour level, went down in the fall and needed to be stretchered off the course.
He underwent surgery on his nose and mouth after the fall, having also suffered a bleed on the brain.
Bernal took two months off the bike and returned for the Italian one-day races, closing his season at Il Lombardia where he finished 12.
The 22-year-old stepped up once again in 2019, winning Paris-Nice and the Tour de Suisse, before his career-changing Tour de France performance.
>>> Meet the Tour de France Beefeaters, Britain’s most viral cycling fans
After a promising start to the Tour, where he held a top-10 position from stage two, Bernal came into his own at altitude in the Alps, moving up to second over the Galibier on stage 18, and then stealing the yellow jersey on the Col de L’Iseran during stage 19, which was cut short due to a freak hailstorm and landslides.
Bernal is the first Colombian to win the Tour de France and is the youngest rider to reach the top step in the post-war era, also making him the youngest rider to win the yellow jersey (which was introduced in 1919).
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
I'm not into cake stops - but - I made an exception to rate five British delicacies in one ride
Of all the cakes named after places in the north-west of England, which is the tastiest? Simon Warren sets out to sample them all in a single epic ride
By Simon Warren Published
-
The Rugby Flyer flies again: the story of the first sub-hour '25' time trial
How one record-breaking bike – and the memory of the man who rode it – live on
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departure
Olympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published