Roman Kreuziger (Saxo-Tinkoff) launched a bold attack 38 kilometres away from the finish in yesterday’s Clasica San Sebastian in attempt to solo home to victory. However, seven riders managed to join Kreuziger including teammate, Nicholas Roche and entering the final 20 kilometres, Sylvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) and Igor Asterloza (Euskaltel) bridged the gap as well.

On the penultimate climb, Tony Gallopin (RadioShack-Leopard) took off while the rest of the group shattered and started to chase. But it was too late. Gallopin made it to the finish line where he took his biggest win so far.

Team Saxo-Tinkoff's Roman Kreuziger finished third on the day behind pre-race favourite Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) while Nicholas Roche finished fifth.

After the race Saxo-Tinkoff Sports Director Philippe Mauduit was pleased with the results of the day although he acknowledged that Kreuziger may have initiated his attack a little too soon.

“Finishing third and fifth in a race like San Sebastian is a good result for the team, of course, and it surely demonstrates the superb form both Roman and Nicholas are carrying along from the Tour. Maybe we opened the attack too early on Jaizkibel as Roman was brought back on the following descent but he went for it and showed a lot of guts out there. In the finale, the front group riders were playing cat and mouse, which was to Gallopin's advantage. In the sprint, Valverde was the strongest and Roman hit the bottom spot of the podium after the leadout from Nicholas,” said Saxo-Tinkoff DS, Philippe Mauduit on the Saxo-Tinkoff website.