Always a popular event with the top names of the pro peloton, the Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian smiled for once on an outsider, or at least, an up-and-comer. Recently taking 50th at the Tour de France, Adam Yates (22) succeeded in escaping on the last climb that submitted about seven kilometers from the finish. 

The Orica GreenEDGE rider bested the favorites such as Philippe Gilbert (BMC) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). As far as IAM Cycling is concerned, Thomas Degand managed to show the team well having taken part in the day’s breakaway that was caught just before passing over the Alto Arkale.

Degand was a last minute selection to replace Sylvain Chavanel, who had been having trouble with his breathing since the middle part of the Tour de France. David Tanner proved the best finisher for the Swiss team having taken an encouraging 37th place, 1’57” behind the winner and in the midst of the first main peloton. Mathias Frank finished in the same group in 41st place, and now can look forward to a well-earned holiday.

Thomas Degand has been showing unmistakable signs of returning to his best form after a difficult early season that was marked by health problems. In early July he took a strong 8th place at the Tour of Austria, and was very strong on the climbs of the day. When asked about his race in Spain, the Belgian rider was satisfied with how he felt and was content with how the race unfolded. 

“Along with Aleksejs Saramotins, I was tasked with taking off with the breaks. I managed to find the opening in the company of a good group of riders after about 15 kilometers. Despite working well together, we never really were able to take more than 4’50” on the pack because Movistar was keeping close watch. I was caught the last time we passed the finish line with 15 kilometers to go, but I have a feeling of having accomplished my task for the day. It was a good day at the front of the race, which has also reassured me in view of my preparation for the Vuelta,” Degand said.

Kjell Carlström, directeur sportif for the IAM Cycling team, was happy with his riders despite missing out on a top-10 finish. 

“Thomas Degand did a great job of getting into the break and was a big player there today. We were represented at the front and we were able to set up one of two strategies that we devised in the team briefing this morning. The idea was to have a card to play for Mathias Frank in the final if he had good legs, and then to perhaps set up David Tanner as an alternative. With ten kilometers to go, Mathias gave a free hand to his teammates, but it was difficult to establish an effective late-game plan because of the communication problems that are natural in a finale.”