Remco Evenepoel pursues a historic fourth victory at the Clásica San Sebastián on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The defending WorldTour classic features a modified Basque route, a top-tier supporting lineup from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, and a competitive field featuring Matteo Jorgenson and Giulio Ciccone.
The European cycling calendar shifts to the rugged hills of northern Spain as the Clásica San Sebastián welcomes a star-studded peloton straight out of the Tour de France. Taking place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the region’s premier WorldTour single-day race offers an immediate battleground for riders transitioning from the French grand tour to the autumn campaign.
Remco Evenepoel Targets Record Victory in the Basque Hills
Remco Evenepoel enters the Basque classic chasing a fourth title, having previously conquered the race in 2019, 2022, and 2023. A fresh victory on Saturday would break his tie with Spanish cycling legend Marino Lejarreta, elevating the Belgian star into sole possession of the event’s win record.
Fresh off a strong finish in the Tour de France, Evenepoel headlines the start list as the clear pre-race favorite. His Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe squad underwent a notable last-minute adjustment when Primož Roglič was removed from the active lineup despite appearing on initial start lists.
To secure his milestone win, Evenepoel will rely on a robust support structure featuring Maxim Van Gils, who finished third in San Sebastián in 2025, and Italian climber Giulio Pellizzari. The team’s roster is rounded out by local rider Haimar Etxeberria, German talent Emil Herzog, Colombian climber Daniel Felipe Martinez, and Italian veteran Gianni Moscon.
A Revamped Course Led by the Brutal Murgil Climb
While the event retains its traditional character, race organizers introduced small adjustments to the 2026 course starting and finishing in the Basque coastal city. The opening thirty kilometers offer unusual relief for the region, remaining almost entirely flat before the terrain turns relentlessly upward.
Early climbs like the Kalbario and Azkarate serve as warm-ups before the peloton confronts the longer Urraki at 8.5 kilometers averaging 6.9 percent, followed closely by the Alkiza. As the race progresses, the famous Jaizkibel acts as an accumulator of elevation gain over sixty kilometers from the finish, setting up the race for its feared decisive ascents.
The Erlaitz remains a punishing test with a 3.8-kilometer stretch averaging 11 percent and gradients spiking to 17 percent. After crossing the finish line for an interim pass, the race enters a short local loop concluding with the Murgil climb inside the final 21 kilometers. Averaging 9.8 percent across two irregular kilometers with pitches soaring well past 15 percent, the Murgil sits just eight kilometers from the finish line in San Sebastián, leaving a technical descent to decide the winner.
Contenders From Visma, Lidl-Trek, and UAE Team Emirates
Evenepoel will face deep international resistance from rivals who opted for alternative preparation paths or emerged from the Tour de France in top form. Visma | Lease a Bike deploys Matteo Jorgenson alongside Ben Tulett and Louis Barré.
Lidl-Trek arrives with former winner Bauke Mollema alongside Quinn Simmons, Thibau Nys, Derek Gee-West, and 2025 champion Giulio Ciccone, who previously defeated Jan Christen in the finale. UAE Team Emirates-XRG counters with Christen himself, supported by Jhonatan Narváez, Jay Vine, Benoit Cosnefroy, and Igor Arrieta.
Additional threats loom throughout the field as Mikel Landa returns from injury for Soudal Quick-Step alongside Mauri Vansevenant, Filippo Zana, Andrea Raccagni Novieri, and Ilan Van Wilder. Movistar relies on home talents Enric Mas and Cian Uijtdebroeks, while Bahrain Victorious anchors its ambitions with local rider Pello Bilbao.
Weather Conditions and Broadcast Details for Saturday
The Basque climate promises ideal racing conditions on Saturday, with temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius and a minimal chance of rain. A gentle breeze originating from the Bay of Biscay is expected to temper the afternoon heat across the coastal climbs.
Official proceedings commence at 11:13 a.m. local time, with the winner expected to cross the finish line in San Sebastián at approximately 4:45 p.m. Viewers can follow the action through live broadcast coverage starting at 3:00 p.m. on VRT Canvas and online streaming platforms.
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