Introduction to the San Sebastián Classic
The San Sebastián Classic, also known as “Donostiako Klasikoa,” is one of the most prestigious one-day races on the international cycling calendar. It is celebrated annually in the city of San Sebastián, located in the Basque Country, Spain. Its relevance is due to its inclusion in the UCI WorldTour, which guarantees the participation of the best cyclists in the world.
History and origin
The race was created in 1981 and quickly established itself as a prominent event in the cycling scene. It was originally part of the Cycling World Cup until its demise in 2005, at which time it became part of the UCI WorldTour. The organization is in charge of Euskadi Cycling Organizations, also responsible for other important competitions in the region.
Organization and format
The San Sebastián Classic is a one-day race that attracts UCI WorldTeam and UCI ProTeam teams. These teams compete on a demanding course that combines flat and mountainous sections, offering a unique opportunity to demonstrate both climbing and speed skills on the descents.
Route and characteristics
The San Sebastián Classic route is characterized by its variety and demand, with an approximate distance of 230 km. It begins and ends in the city of San Sebastián, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Guipúzcoa. Cyclists face several challenging mountain passes, with the Jaizkibel summit being one of the most iconic, classified as first category. Another key point is the Murgil Tontorra, with ramps that reach an incline of 11.3%, often decisive in the outcome of the race.
Notable winners and historical honors
Over the years, the San Sebastián Classic has seen big names in cycling triumph. Among the most notable are Marino Lejarreta and Remco Evenepoel, both with three victories each. The historical record of the winners is detailed below:
| Año | Ganador | Año | Ganador | Año | Ganador |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Marino Lejarreta | 1982 | Marino Lejarreta | 1983 | Claude Criquielion |
| 1984 | Niki Rüttimann | 1985 | Adrie van der Poel | 1986 | Iñaki Gastón |
| 1987 | Marino Lejarreta | 1988 | Gert-Jan Theunisse | 1989 | Gerhard Zadrobilek |
| 1990 | Miguel Induráin | 1991 | Gianni Bugno | 1992 | Raúl Alcalá |
| 1993 | Claudio Chiappucci | 1994 | Armand de Las Cuevas | 1995 | Lance Armstrong |
| 1996 | Udo Bölts | 1997 | Davide Rebellin | 1998 | Francesco Casagrande |
| 1999 | Francesco Casagrande | 2000 | Erik Dekker | 2001 | Laurent Jalabert |
| 2002 | Laurent Jalabert | 2003 | Paolo Bettini | 2004 | Miguel Ángel Martín Perdiguero |
| 2005 | Tino Zaballa | 2006 | Xavier Florencio | 2007 | Leonardo Bertagnolli |
| 2008 | Alejandro Valverde | 2009 | Roman Kreuziger | 2010 | Luis León Sánchez |
| 2011 | Philippe Gilbert | 2012 | Luis León Sánchez | 2013 | Tony Gallopin |
| 2014 | Alejandro Valverde | 2015 | Adam Yates | 2016 | Bauke Mollema |
| 2017 | Michał Kwiatkowski | 2018 | Julian Alaphilippe | 2019 | Remco Evenepoel |
| 2020 | Cancelada | 2021 | Neilson Powless | 2022 | Remco Evenepoel |
| 2023 | Remco Evenepoel |
Cultural and social impact
The San Sebastián Classic is not only a sporting event high level, but also a celebration for the city and the region. It attracts thousands of spectators, both locals and tourists, who gather to enjoy the race and the festive atmosphere. In addition, the event has a significant economic impact, boosting tourism and local hospitality. San Sebastián, known for its gastronomy and natural beauty, offers a perfect setting for visitors.
Current events and news from the 2024 edition
News of the 2024 edition
The organization of the San Sebastián Classic has announced significant changes for the 2024 edition, which will be held on August 10. On this occasion, the official route, revealed on Monday, July 8, will include a total of 236 km, 6 km more than in previous editions. This year, the start and finish of the race will be moved to Avenida de la Zuriola, in front of the Congress Palace Kursaal, a necessary adjustment due to road disruptions and safety measures. The race will coincide with the start of the Big Week of San Sebastián, which promises an additional festive atmosphere.
Among the new features of the route is the inclusion of the climb to Pilotegi, which replaces Murgil. Pilotegi is a challenging climb with ramps reaching 27%, similar or even more demanding than the Murgil or Bordako Tontorra climbs. In total, the cyclists will face seven scoring ports: Andazarate, Azkarate, Urraki, Alkiza, Jaizkibel, Erlaitz and the new addition, Pilotegi. In addition, there will be two intermediate sprints, one in the first step across the finish line and another at kilometer 219.5 when passing the counter finish line.
The Clásica promises to be an exciting competition, culminating with the winner wearing the txapela with the emblematic Zurriola beach and the sea in the background, offering a spectacular close to this high-class sporting event.
Favorites for the 2024 edition
In this year’s edition, tough competition is expected among cyclists. Remco Evenepoel, who has won the last two editions, is once again emerging as one of the big favorites. However, other riders such as Pello Bilbao and Aleksandr Vlasov have also shown excellent form and will be rivals to take into account.
Also Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) announced in Nice at the end of the Tour de France that he has finished second after Tadej Pogacar, who will compete in the San Sebastian Classic.
New sponsors and partners
For this edition, Echemar has been announced as the new logistics partner and main sponsor of the San Sebastián Classic. This support is crucial to the logistics and organization of the event, ensuring that all aspects of the race, from security to media coverage, are of the highest quality. The collaboration with Echemar also includes a focus on sustainability and the promotion of cycling as an ecological means of transportation.
Expectations and preparations
Preparations for the 2024 edition are underway with a great level of detail. The organization has worked closely with local authorities to ensure a safe ride for both riders and spectators. Special measures have been implemented to manage the expected crowds, including designated spectator areas and emergency services available along the course. In addition, parallel activities have been organized to involve the community, such as cycling workshops for children and a local products fair.
Media coverage and monitoring
The 2024 San Sebastián Classic will be widely covered by national and international media. Live broadcasts will be available on various platforms, including television and online streaming, allowing fans around the world to follow the race in real time. Additionally, the event’s official social media channels will provide constant updates, rider interviews and expert analysis. This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans do not miss any crucial moment of the competition.
Expected weather conditions
The weather forecast for race day, August 10, calls for mostly sunny conditions with moderate temperatures, ideal for high-performance cycling. However, there is the possibility of variable winds on the coast, which could affect performance on certain sections of the course, especially on ascents and descents. Teams will need to be aware of these conditions to adjust their strategies in real time.
Conclusion and final thoughts
The San Sebastián Classic is an unmissable event on the cycling calendar, known for its scenic beauty and the toughness of its route. The 2024 edition promises to be one of the most exciting, with a highly qualified field of competitors and a course that will challenge climbers and rollers alike. Beyond the competition, the event represents a celebration of cycling and an opportunity for the local community and visitors to enjoy the culture and hospitality of the Basque Country.
Link to the official page of the San Sebastián Classic
For more information on the San Sebastián Classic, including course details, lists of participating teams and real-time updates, visit the official website of the San Sebastián Classic.
