Yates – Gilbert – Valverde at San Sebastian
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Adam Yates became the first British winner of the San Sebastian Classic on Saturday with the Orica rider also claiming his maiden title at the major level.
AFP/Yuzuru Sunada
Adam Yates became the first British winner of the San Sebastian Classic on Saturday with the Orica rider also claiming his maiden title at the major level.
The 22-year-old went into the race on the back of a 50th place finish in the Tour de France.
Philippe Gilbert, the 2011 winner from Belgium, was second just ahead of Spain’s defending champion Alejandro Valverde.
Yates won by 15 seconds after reeling in a late escape launched by young French rider Warren Barguil on the race’s final climb, the col de Bordako Tontorra, seven kilometers from the finish.
It was a memorable day for the winner as twin brother and teammate Simon Yates came home in a respectable 14th spot inside the trailing group, all timed at 15sec behind.
Valverde, who was also the 2008 champion, increased his lead in the overall World Tour 2015 rankings ahead of Tour de France champion Chris Froome and fellow Spaniard Alberto Contador.
Results of the San Sebastian Classic, a 219km ride around San Sebastian on Saturday:
1. Adam Yates (ENG/ORI) 5hr 30min 24sec
2. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/BMC) at15sec
3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) same time
4. Daniel Moreno (ESP/KAT) s.t.
5. Joaquin Rodriguez (ESP/KAT) s.t.
6. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) s.t.
7.Daniel Martin (IRL/CAN) s.t.
8. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/ETI) s.t.
9. Warren Barguil (FRA/GIA) s.t.
10. Rigoberto Uran (COL/ETI) s.t.