Clasica San Sebastian 2018: Alaphilippe swaggers to victory

There was a constellation of stars taking part in the 38th edition of La Clasica San Sebastian which is generally won by a rider exiting the Tour de France in particularly fine fettle. This year was no exception. Bauke Mollema countered an attack just before the summit of the final climb, Julian Alaphilippe followed and thereafter two descended like stones to contend the sprint for the line. Alaphilippe lead it out but Molema didn’t have the same turn of speed as the Frenchman. The podium was rounded out by Antony Roux, best of the rest, in his tricolour jersey.

Continue reading

Clasica San Sebastian 2017: Kwiatko with a knock out

In today’s 37th Clasica San Sebastian, Michal Kwiatkowski was part of a five-man group, four of whom had ridden the Tour de France, which had attacked from the reduced peloton on the ascent of the fearsome Murgil, the day’s last climb, before swooping back into town to contest the sprint for the line. Won with ease by the Polish rider ahead of former race winners, Tony Gallopin (2013) and defending champion Bauke Mollema, who rounded out the podium. This victory takes Kwiatkowski into second place in the WorldTour rankings and he becomes only the second rider ever to win Milan-San Remo and the Clasica in the same season. Post-race Kwiatko paid tribute to the work done by his team, particularly the crucial role of Basque rider Mikel Landa.

Continue reading