“Now I’ll try to become world champion” – Remco Evenepoel turns focus to Rainbow Jersey after record-breaking fourth Clasica San Sebastian win
CyclingSaturday, 01 August 2026 at 17:02
Remco Evenepoel set his sights on becoming world champion after claiming a record-breaking fourth victory at the Clasica San Sebastian. The Belgian beat Richard Carapaz in a two-man sprint to preserve his perfect record at the Basque WorldTour Classic, adding to his wins from 2019, 2022 and 2023.
That moved Evenepoel beyond Marino Lejarreta as the most successful rider in the history of the race, although a puncture with around 50 kilometres remaining placed the latest victory in serious danger. “This was the hardest of all four victories,” Evenepoel told the media after the finish. “After the descent with 50 kilometres remaining, I suffered a puncture.”
Evenepoel later told teammates that glass on the road had caused the puncture. He was left around 30 seconds behind shortly before Erlaitz and had to chase as the race split on the steep climb.
“I had to remain patient,” he said. “Thanks to my teammates for bringing me back towards the front. I still had to finish off their brilliant work. What a day. A wonderful victory.”
Evenepoel recovers before beating Carapaz
Evenepoel regained contact after chasing through the convoy, but was distanced again when defending champion Giulio Ciccone forced the pace on Erlaitz. He eventually returned to the reduced front group before Maxim Van Gils took control for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe on the approach to Murgil Tontorra.
Van Gils drove the pace on the final climb before Evenepoel accelerated, with Carapaz the only rider able to follow. The pair held off Ciccone and Louis Barre over the summit and increased their advantage on the descent into San Sebastian. Carapaz led through the closing metres before Evenepoel launched from his wheel and won comfortably.
“I’m happy that I was able to beat a strong Carapaz,” Evenepoel said. “He followed well. I produced a strong sprint and, as soon as I launched, I quickly felt that I was going to win. I had a good day. The situation was just a little tricky because of the puncture, but the victory is the most important thing.”
World Championship next for Evenepoel
The win came six days after Evenepoel finished second overall at the Tour de France behind Tadej Pogacar. He also won two stages during the race, including the summit finish at Plateau de Solaison and the Stage 16 individual time trial.
Evenepoel will now recover before beginning the next phase of his season, with another Rainbow Jersey already in his sights. “Now I’ll have some recovery and rest,” he said. “Then I’ll build up again and I want to become world champion.”
Evenepoel won the elite men’s road race world title in 2022 and followed it with the individual time trial title in 2023. His San Sebastian victory was his fourth from four appearances at the race.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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