Clásica de San Sebastián 2015: Favourites

Alejandro Valverde
The ‘Unbeatable’ shows fine form this year with victories in the Tour of Catalonia, Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. He may be 35 years of age, but he is still going strong. Last year he won after an attack in the finale and he soloed victory.

Bauke Mollema
In 2014 he won the sprint of the chasing group to finish second. Had a strong season opening with a second place in the Tirreno, but after he crashed out of the Tour of the Basque Country he didn’t perform well until the Tour de France. Could very be, the Dutchman now is ready to make a next step and win his first classic.

Joaquim Rodriguez
Another old Spanish warrior who is back to his best self in 2015 with the overall victory in the Tour of the Basque Country and two stage victories in the Tour de France. His sprint is not his forte. Last year he finished third.

Mikel Landa
The young Basque is on the move this season. He was brilliant in the Giro, not only supporting Astana-leader Aru but winning two stages and finishing third in the overall also. The Basque Country is his home soil and he won one stage in the Tour of the Basque Country. Definitely one to watch in the Clásica de San Sebastian 2015.

Philippe Gilbert
Winner of 2011, Gilbert was outstanding in this year’s Giro with two marvellous stage wins. One was after a breakaway on the final climb and a blistering descent. Yes, that’s the recipe for success in San Sabastián.

Daniel Martin
In recent years, the Irishman definitely figured out how to win big classics, powering to victory in Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2013 and the Tour of Lombardy 2014. Was strong in the ‘Wall-stages’ in the Tour de France with second place at the Wall of Huy and fourth on the Wall of Brittany.