Julian Alaphilippe withdraws from the Clasica San Sebastian with respiratory issues

Julian Alaphilippe has withdrawn from the 2025 Clasica San Sebastian, which takes place this Saturday August 2nd. The Frenchman won the race back in 2018, and finished second in last year’s edition, but the former world champion won’t get the chance to ride for victory this weekend. Having just completed the Tour de France, the Tudor Pro Cycling rider began to show symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in the last week. His team has decided the best option is now to rest.

Alaphilippe’s best result at the Tour was on stage 15, when at the finish in Carcassonne he finished third and beat Wout van Aert in the sprint. But, with his earpiece not working, Alaphilippe actually thought he had won the stage, as he did not know two riders had gone up the road. This time, Alaphilippe was actually celebrating too late! But, Alaphilippe showed decent form on his return to the Tour, and would have been one of the outsiders for victory this weekend.

The Clásica de San Sebastián is infamous for its demanding course, brutal for riders just days after the Tour. Unlike many other one day races that favour sprinters or classics specialists, the Clásica is a true test for climbers and the strongest of puncheurs. The race’s defining features are its rolling steep, punchy climbs, which often culminate in the decisive ascent of the Jaizkibel and Arkale. In recent years, Remco Evenepoel has often come out on top, with three victories to his name.

Many top riders are on the start list this year, including Juan Ayuso, Isaac del Toro, Mikel Landa, and even recent fourth place finisher at the Tour de France, Oscar Onley. But, Julain Alaphilippe will not be one of the starters this year, as he rests ahead of the final part of his season.