San Sebastián smells of the sea, of pintxos, and, for one magical day in summer, it smells of cycling in its purest form. If there’s one event that brings Gipuzkoa to a standstill and captures the attention of the entire cycling world, it’s the Clásica San Sebastián 2025. It’s more than a race; it’s a festival, a tradition, the day when roadsides become grandstands and every climb an epic stage. Here at Descubre Donostia, we want you to experience it like a true local, with goosebumps at every pedal stroke and pure emotion. We’ve prepared the ultimate guide with all the latest news so you won’t miss a thing.
Date and Context: When is the Donostiako Klasikoa 2025?
First things first: mark your calendar for Saturday, August 2, 2025. As tradition dictates, the “Klasikoa” will take place just six days after the heroes of the Tour de France parade down the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This proximity makes it the perfect stage for revenge, where the world’s best cyclists arrive in exceptional form, with Tour fatigue in their legs but their ambition intact. It’s the quintessential summer classic, a one-day monument that every great rider dreams of winning.
And the 2025 edition is packed with exciting fresh news. The organizers have listened to the fans and designed a route that promises a great show, returning to the essence that has made this race legendary.
The Route of the Clásica San Sebastián 2025: The Wall That Decides the “Txapela” is Back
After a year’s absence due to roadworks, the big news is the return of the race’s ultimate judge: Murgil Bidea. Its suffocating ramps will once again deliver the final verdict. But there’s more! This year’s course has been redesigned to be more explosive. It will be 211 kilometers, about 25 km shorter than previous editions, removing the Azkarate climb but keeping other giants. This “shortening” is a clear nod to the cyclists coming from the Tour, offering them an intense but shorter challenge to attract the big names.
The Race’s Key Judges: A Detailed Analysis
- Jaizkibel (8.1 km at 5.3%): It’s not the hardest climb, but it’s the most mythical. Its two ascents usually create the first major selection. It’s a long climb, exposed to the Cantabrian wind, where the atmosphere is simply spectacular. The hillsides are painted in orange, green, and red, with thousands of fans cheering relentlessly.
- Erlaitz (3.8 km at 10.6%): This is where the race truly breaks apart. It’s a short but brutal wall with constant double-digit gradients. A bad moment on Erlaitz means saying goodbye to victory. Its technical and fast descent is almost as crucial as the climb itself.
- Murgil Bidea (2.1 km at 10.1%): Just 8 kilometers from the finish, this wall is the heart of the Clásica. Its ramps, reaching up to 19%, are the perfect launchpad for the decisive attack. There’s nowhere to hide; it’s an agonizing effort, with the crowd so close you can almost touch them. This is where the txapela (the traditional Basque beret for the winner) is won. Get ready to see cyclists writhing on their bikes!
The Finish Line, Back in the Heart of the City
More great news is that the finish line returns to its most iconic location: the Boulevard of San Sebastián. After the 2024 experience at the Kursaal due to a scheduling conflict with Aste Nagusia (the Big Week festival), the race will once again end in the heart of the city, guaranteeing a spectacular finale surrounded by thousands of fans.
Did you know… The return of Murgil was made possible by the completion of roadworks on Igeldo that prevented the peloton’s safe descent into Donostia in the 2024 edition. The Pilotegi climb was used instead, also very tough, but without Murgil’s mystique.
The Protagonists: Who Will Win the Txapela in 2025?
As of today, the start list is a thrilling guessing game. The proximity of the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, which follows, heavily influences the stars’ schedules. According to the latest information, it is likely that Tour dominators like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard will focus their efforts on the Vuelta, which would rule them out for Donostia. The same applies to three-time champion Remco Evenepoel.
But this opens the door for other great riders. The name that resonates most strongly is Juan Ayuso. The young talent from UAE Team Emirates could start the second major block of his season on the roads of Gipuzkoa, with the World Championships in Rwanda on the horizon. An explosive rider, perfect for this course.
Of course, all 18 UCI WorldTour teams have mandatory participation, so a spectacle and star riders are guaranteed. To check the latest confirmations, we recommend visiting the official website of the Clásica.
Where to Watch the Clásica de San Sebastián: The Ultimate Spectator’s Guide
Experiencing the Donostiako Klasikoa 2025 live is an experience every fan should have at least once. Here are the best options:
Option 1: On the Mountain, Feeling the Cycling Passion
To feel the cyclists’ effort just inches away, there’s nothing like the mountain.
- Murgil Bidea: This is the hot spot. Expert tip: It’s practically inaccessible by car. Walk up from the Antiguo neighborhood well in advance, bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. The reward is witnessing the race’s decisive moment in an electric atmosphere.
- Jaizkibel: More family-friendly and accessible. You can drive or take a bus to nearby points and walk. It’s perfect for going with a group and enjoying a day of cycling and tortilla pintxos.
Option 2: In the City, Comfort and the Final Party
If you prefer the hustle and bustle and don’t want to leave the city center, the finish line’s return to the Boulevard is your best bet. You can see the start, the riders pass by several times, and the triumphant finish all in one place. Plus, when it’s over, you’ll be right in the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), the perfect place to celebrate the victory with some amazing pintxos and discuss the race.
A Hall of Fame: The Heroes of the Klasikoa
Winning on the Boulevard of Donostia writes your name in history alongside cycling legends. The Clásica’s txapela is one of the most coveted trophies. The first winner was Marino Lejarreta in 1981, a local idol who won again in 1982 and 1987. In the modern era, Spaniard Alejandro Valverde conquered it twice with his intelligence and fast finish.
But if there’s a recent king, it’s the Belgian Remco Evenepoel, who with his three victories has shown a special connection with the tough climbs of Gipuzkoa. Every winner has left an indelible mark on the streets of Donostia.
Conclusion
The Clásica San Sebastián 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent years. With a revamped route that reclaims its purest essence, the return of Murgil as the executioner, and the finish line on the emblematic Boulevard, the cycling festival is more than guaranteed. Donostia is ready to vibrate again, to be filled with Basque flags, and to crown a new hero.
So, where do you plan to watch the Klasikoa? Who is your top favorite to take home the txapela? Tell us your plan in the comments and share this guide with other cycling fanatics!
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