CYCLING – One week after the conclusion of the second Grand Tour of the season, Bahrain Victorious turn their focus to the 44th edition of the Clásica San Sebastián – Donostia Klasikoa, one of the toughest one-day races on the UCI WorldTour calendar.
The race, to be held tomorrow, covers 211 kilometres of demanding Basque terrain, with over 4,150 metres of elevation gain, and sees the start and finish return to the iconic Boulevard in San Sebastián.
Throughout the day, the peloton will tackle six categorised climbs, including the return of the legendary Murgil Tontorra, which comes just 8 km from the finish and is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome.
The first 21km mirrors the 2024 route and includes a new early climb that, while unfamiliar, is not expected to create major splits. At 41km, the race enters the classic San Sebastián circuit, known to many riders.
The first major challenge will be the Jaizkibel climb, which typically reduces the peloton by about 50 per cent. It starts steep but eases off towards the top and is exposed to the wind, often playing a role in shaping the front group.
Sports Director Neil Stephens, who resides in the Basque Country, brings deep local knowledge and outlines what’s ahead: “It’s great to have Bahrain Victorious racing in my adopted home region for this fantastic and always exciting race. Some riders come after a break, others are coming off the Tour de France. It’s hard to predict how bodies will react, but we’ve prepared well.”
One of the race’s key moments will be the Erlaitz climb at 164km, a long and relentless ascent that follows a narrowing road — making positioning absolutely critical.
“The race gets serious around km 140 with the approach to Erlaitz. That’s where the real selection is likely to happen. From that point on, it’s about being in the right group and using our energy wisely.”
After Erlaitz, the course continues towards the Murgil Tontorra, a climb that was absent in 2024 but returns this year. Frequently decisive in past editions, Murgil is short, steep, and explosive, featuring gradients up to 18pc. It crests at 203km, followed by an 8km run-in to the finish, with the final 3km flat through San Sebastián – the same finale where Pello Bilbao (2023) and Matej Mohoric (2021) both sprinted to second place.
“The final descent includes two tricky corners, and the finishing straight – only 250m – is often windy. Whoever leads out from the final turn usually ends up being overtaken. Timing is everything,” added Stephens.
“Lenny Martinez will be our leader,” Stephens explains. “He’s the rider most suited to the explosive nature of Erlaitz and Murgil. The team will give him full support. If he recovers well post-Tour, he will be our best card for a podium finish.”
Bilbao, who has been training on the local roads, returns as Road Captain. “No one knows this race better than Pello. He’s in great shape, highly motivated, and his experience will be vital, both tactically and in guiding the team,” said Stephens.
The Clásica also marks the return to racing for Antonio Tiberi, who last competed at the Giro d’Italia and recently completed a high-altitude training block on Passo Pordoi. He is joined by Damiano Caruso, Fran Miholjević, Mathijs Paasschens, and Edoardo Zambanini, all of whom also took part in the altitude camp.
“Antonio is in excellent condition and well-suited to this route. We’ll evaluate our tactical options after km 165,” said Stephens. “Damiano will be our joker – free to race until 165km, after which he can support the leaders or go for a result. He’s a fighter and always reliable.
“The rest of the squad will play important support roles in the various race phases. Whether it’s early positioning, climbing support, or protecting our leaders into key sections – everyone has a role to play.”
“We have the depth and versatility to target a podium and aim to place two riders in the top ten. That’s our goal,” Stephens concludes. “We’ll race with confidence, intelligence, and commitment. The team is in great spirits, and we’re ready to fight.”
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