Less than a week after the finish of the Tour de France, many big names of the peloton will once again be hard at work racing another monument, but this time a one-day classic.  The Clasica San Sebastian has its own illustrious list of winners to dream about. Bettini, Indurain, Valverde, Gilbert, as well as Tony Gallopin have all added their names to the roll call. 

Not surprisingly, IAM Cycling wants to highlight its ambitions to win the Basque race by bringing a strong group of riders, half of which come fresh off the Tour de France.Jarlinson Pantano, 19th in his first Grande Boucle, is among those hoping to shine.  Ever the optimist, the 26 year old Colombian is ready to give the best of himself. 

“For many people, it may seem surprising that we would want to participate in such a difficult race that comes just after the Tour de France.  In fact, I hope to be able to surf on my good form.  I have never raced at San Sebastian, but the parcours is designed for riders like me.  If I can arrive at the finish in the lead with a small group, then I will have a chance for the win.  First, though, I will try my best to recover this week and store up a maximum amount of energy for Saturday.  We will have a good group there, so we all have a chance.”

Manager sportif, Rik Verbrugghe has already had to cope with the fact that Jérôme Coppel will not be available to race at the Clasica since he is still suffering from the bronchitis and sinusitis that he contracted at the Tour de France.  This does not prevent Verbrugghe from being confident before entering San Sebastian with his troops. 

“After a short week break, the body can be either still in top form, or completely empty.  Everything depends on each individual rider.  I am not worried about the guys who were at the Tour de France.  For the others, they will have to be at the heart of their comrades.  This could lead to a pleasant surprise. 

"The course is certainly demanding and selective.  It is rare to have a winning move with a large group of riders come to the finish together.  So I hope to see one of our guys in the group playing for the win.”

Riders:

Sylvain Chavanel (Fr)

Thomas Degand (Bel)

Dries Devenyns (Bel)

Mathias Frank (S)

Jarlinson Pantano (Col)

Aleksejs Saramotins (Lat)

David Tanner (Aus)

Marcel Wyss (S)