Remco Evenepoel puts in stunning 45km solo attack to win Clásica San Sebastián for a second time
'I think I can go with a really good feeling towards la Vuelta, and with a lot of confidence' says the 22-year-old Belgian
Remco Evenepoel attacked 45km out from the finish of Clásica San Sebastián to comprehensively win the race for a second time on Saturday.
The Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl rider showed that he is in sparkling form ahead of the Vuelta a España, out-climbing both Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) and Pavel Sivakov (Ineos Grenadiers) with a measured and controlled performance, before soloing away to victory.
Evenepoel missed the Tour de France, but after a long training camp in Italy, admitted that a second victory at the ‘Klasikoa’ was ideal preparation for his next targets.
He said: “What came out of my legs today was just freshness. I felt really good, then decided to speed it up on the Jaizkibel, which was the plan from before. Yeah, it worked out.
"When you make it a hard race from Jaizkibel on this course, it’s a long and hard final… there was a headwind, but I managed to keep my power quite high and I tried to be as aero as possible and just went all out. It’s amazing.”
Previously, the Belgian won the one-day race in Spain in 2019 aged just 19-years-old. Taking a second victory in Saint Sebastian added to what’s already been an impressive year for the 22-year-old. It means he is the youngest rider to win the race multiple times.
The Belgian won Liège–Bastogne–Liège in April this year, and after outmanoeuvring climbers of the calibre of Yates this afternoon, will be confident ahead of the Vuelta a España.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Evenepoel added: “I’m really happy with this victory. It’s been a long training camp before, and I was really excited to start here and then finish all the work of the boys, it’s just amazing… It's a team victory and what a season so far.”
On the final climb of the day, the Belgian climbed through a sea of screaming Basque fans, and was clearly given a huge boost by the spectators as he cut through the crowds.
When asked about the input of the fans, he said: “They’re amazing, this is one of my favourite areas to race with the Basque fans. This race, together with Liège, is my favourite race. To win both in one season, it’s amazing.”
Looking ahead to upcoming races, the 22-year-old Quick-Step rider concluded: “Yes, I’ll go to the Vuelta. This is the perfect race in between my training camps, and to win is even more amazing so I think I can go with a really good feeling towards la Vuelta, and with a lot of confidence and relaxed feelings. It’s so amazing to win again here.”
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
Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine.
Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered major races elsewhere across the world. As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and focuses on coverage of UK domestic cycling.
-
Specialized Crux DSW Comp: race-ready US alloy featherweight vs British gravel
The aluminium Crux shares many of the benefits of the carbon model but at a more wallet-friendly price point
By Rachel Sokal Published
-
Pro cyclo-cross rider disqualified and fined after stomping on opponent's bike
Eli Iserbyt apologised for 'rage of anger' at event in Beringen
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tadej Pogačar storms to fourth consecutive Il Lombardia victory after 48km solo breakaway
World Champion beats Remco Evenepoel by more than three minutes after devastating attack on the Colma di Sormano
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Remco Evenepoel puts transfer speculation to bed ahead of World Championships road race
'I'll stay where I am' says Double Olympic champion as he confirms he will remain at Soudal Quick-Step next season
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'A pure time trial on feeling' - Remco Evenepoel wins World Championships without power meter
Belgian secures Olympics-Worlds double in stellar season
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Can Remco Evenepoel stop Tadej Pogačar at the World Championships?
The Belgian will lead his nation in Switzerland in a fortnight, in the absence of Wout van Aert
By Adam Becket Published
-
'The future is bright': British Cycling CEO praises homegrown talent at Tour of Britain
Four Brits currently make up the top four in the general classification going into the race's final weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Trophies on wheels: a look at the uniquely painted bikes gifted to the 2024 Olympic champions
Remco Evenepoel, Kristen Faulkner and Grace Brown received bikes that shine as brightly as the golden medals themselves
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tom Pidcock to go head-to-head with Remco Evenepoel at upcoming Tour of Britain Men
Pidcock to ride six-day race for Ineos Grenadiers
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe confirmed for Tour of Britain Men
Double Olympic champion and Alaphilippe headline Soudal Quick-Step team selection
By Tom Thewlis Published