Clásica de San Sebastián 2017: Favourites

To win the Clásica de San Sebastián you have to be a good climber and dexterous descender. At 231 kilometres, the route takes in eight ascents. The last one is the short and sharp Murgil before the riders plunge down to the line in San Sebastián. Who are the main contenders to win the 2017 Clásica de San Sebastián? (Slideshow route/profile)

The route of the Clásica de San Sebastián takes in eight intermediate climbs. The infamous Alto de Jaizkibel and Alto Arkale are both to be crested twice. In fact, the last 100 kilometres of the race open with a lap over these two peaks before the riders plunge down to San Sebastián. Following the passage on the line they head back into the mountains for a 16 kilometres detour. The last climb is the Murgil, a 2.5 kilometres slope at 9% with ramps of up to 22%. Last year, Mollema, Valverde, Rodríguez and Gallopin distanced the field on that climb before the Dutchman attacked and held off the three chasers on the descent.

The start list of the 2017 Clásica de San Sebastián features four former winners: Luis León Sánchez (2010, 2012), Philippe Gilbert (2011), Tony Gallopin (2013) and title defender Bauke Mollema.

Favourites Clásica de San Sebastián 2017

*** Bauke Mollema, Greg Van Avermaet, Michal Kwiatkowski
** Tony Gallopin, Rigoberto Uran, Simon Yates, Tim Wellens, Philippe Gilbert
* Tom Dumoulin, Warren Barguil, Mikel Landa, Pierre Latour