The Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa is a 221.2 km one-day WorldTour race starting and finishing in San Sebastián, featuring a hilly profile with a flat run-in to the line. The Basque terrain typically features punishing climbs before the city circuits, rewarding riders who can punch on steep gradients and then survive or sprint from a reduced group. Held on 1 August 2026, it falls at the heart of the late-summer classics period, attracting riders peaking before Grand Tours and autumn monuments.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Evenepoel is the standout pick: a Hills rating of 81, a victory and three podiums in seven hilly-race outings this season, and DSSK confirmed as a priority target. No other rider in the field combines his all-round punch, time-trial strength, and current form at this profile.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Remco Evenepoel leads the startlist with a Hills rating of 81 and has shown consistent form in similar-profile races, recording a win and three podiums in the last 90 days. His best result in hilly races stands at 1st, and he is confirmed to start DSSK as a priority target before heading to Québec and Montréal.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Roglic and Narváez are the two most likely riders to deny Evenepoel. Roglic's Climbing score of 80 makes him a genuine threat on the ascents, while Narváez's three wins in 12 hilly-profile races over the last 90 days demonstrate he is in the form of his life.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Jhonatan Narváez boasts the second-highest Hills rating (79) and is in exceptional form, recording 3 wins, 3 podiums, and 7 top-10s in 12 hilly-profile races over the last 90 days. His average finishing position of 26.8 understates a best result of 1st, showing he can win at this level.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Primož Roglic brings a Hills rating of 78 and a Climbing stat of 80, making him one of the most physically complete riders in the field. He is using DSSK as preparation for La Vuelta, suggesting he arrives in competitive condition.
★★
Dark Horses
Jorgenson, Mas, and Van Eetvelt all rate 78 on Hills and each has a compelling reason to target this race specifically. Jorgenson's tactical versatility, Mas's home-road motivation ahead of La Vuelta, and Van Eetvelt's sole focus on DSSK make all three genuine podium candidates.
Movistar
Movistar
Enric Mas carries a Hills rating of 78 and an excellent Climbing score of 79, ideally suited to the Basque terrain. Using DSSK as a Vuelta warm-up, Mas should arrive sharp and motivated for a result on home roads.
Lotto Intermarché
Lotto Intermarché
Lennert Van Eetvelt posts a Hills rating of 78 and has DSSK listed as his sole upcoming race, suggesting full focus on this result. At 25, the Lotto Intermarché leader has the profile and ambition to challenge on the final circuits.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Matteo Jorgenson holds a Hills rating of 78 alongside strong Cobbles (76) and TT (76) scores, giving him a well-rounded profile for San Sebastián's demanding finale. He is targeting DSSK before Il Lombardia, indicating a focused late-season campaign.
★
Ones to Watch
Alaphilippe, Van Gils, Landa, and Healy are experienced attackers capable of upsetting the established hierarchy. Alaphilippe's history at San Sebastián and Landa's Basque pedigree give them circuit knowledge, while Van Gils and Healy offer the profile to launch a late move and hold on.
EF - EasyPost
EF - EasyPost
Ben Healy carries a Hills rating of 78 and a TT score of 75, offering the ability to go early or resist a fast finale. With DSSK as his only listed upcoming race, EF-EasyPost's Irish climber will be targeting a strong individual performance.
Tudor Pro Cycling
Tudor Pro Cycling
Julian Alaphilippe's Hills rating of 77 and natural flair for punchy finishes make him a perennial threat in San Sebastián, a race that suits his attacking style perfectly. DSSK appears as his only upcoming event, implying complete dedication to this objective.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Maxim Van Gils rates 78 on Hills with a solid Sprint score of 71, giving him the tools to contest a reduced-group finish on the Basque roads. He heads to Québec and Montréal afterwards, indicating he is in a race-ready block of form.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa (Hills 77, Climbing 79) is a Basque rider who has historically excelled in this race and arrives motivated before Vuelta a Burgos and La Vuelta. Recent hilly-race form shows a best of 14th across three outings, but his class on this terrain cannot be ignored.
Verdict
Remco Evenepoel is the clear top favourite given his unmatched Hills rating of 81 and recent win in similar-profile races, with Jhonatan Narváez and Primož Roglic the most dangerous challengers based on form and physical profile.