San Sebastian Klasikoa
The Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa is a UCI WorldTour one day race held in San Sebastián and the surrounding province of Gipuzkoa in Spain’s Basque Country. Traditionally raced shortly after the Tour de France, the summer classic is characterised by steep climbs, technical descents and constantly undulating roads through the Basque hills. First held in 1981, it has developed into one of the most prestigious one day races on the international calendar.
When was the first edition of the San Sebastián Klasikoa?
The first edition of the San Sebastián Klasikoa was held in 1981, with Basque rider Marino Lejarreta winning the inaugural race after attacking on the Jaizkibel and riding alone to the finish in San Sebastián.
How did the San Sebastián Klasikoa come into existence?
The race was created in 1981 to establish a major professional cycling event for San Sebastián and the province of Gipuzkoa. Its founders wanted a race that reflected the Basque Country’s deep connection with cycling and made full use of the region’s demanding terrain. The Jaizkibel was included from the beginning and quickly became one of the defining climbs of the event.
Who has won the San Sebastián Klasikoa the most times?
Marino Lejarreta and Remco Evenepoel share the record with three victories each. Lejarreta won in 1981, 1982 and 1987, while Evenepoel claimed the txapela in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Where is the San Sebastián Klasikoa held?
The race starts and finishes in San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, before travelling through the surrounding roads of Gipuzkoa. The finish is traditionally located on the Boulevard in the centre of the city, where large crowds welcome the riders back after more than 200 kilometres of racing.
Who won the most recent edition?
In 2025, the San Sebastián Klasikoa was won by Giulio Ciccone. The Italian attacked Jan Christen on the steep final climb of Murgil Tontorra before descending towards San Sebastián and arriving alone on the Boulevard. Christen finished second, with Maxim Van Gils completing the podium. It was Ciccone’s first victory in the race and his first txapela.
What classification does the San Sebastián Klasikoa have?
The San Sebastián Klasikoa is classified as a 1.UWT event, meaning it is a one day race on the UCI WorldTour, the highest tier of professional men’s road cycling. It is also the only Spanish one day classic on the UCI WorldTour calendar.
