Remco Evenepoel "can’t wait to be back" as he steps up Vuelta preparation at the Clásica San Sebastián

Remco Evenepoel has been confirmed as the leader of the Soudal - Quick-Step team for the Clásica San Sebastián as the Belgian looks to step up preparation for the Vuelta a Espana.

Alongside his victory at the Spanish Grand Tour in 2022, Evenepoel was also victorious at the Clásica San Sebastián in the build-up, something he hopes will repeat itself twelve months later. “San Sebastian is a race I love. My first World Tour victory came here in 2019," he tells the Soudal - Quick-Step official website. "Then I won again three years later, so there are only great memories that I have from the Basque Country and I look forward to returning there."

The fight for the Vuelta a Espana will be incredibly fierce this year with the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic, Geraint Thomas, Enric Mas and Juan Ayuso all set to feature. Therefore a positive, confidence-boosting performance in the Basque Country will be key for Evenepoel as he looks to defend his title.

"There’s also the electric atmosphere the Basque fans create on the climbs, where they give you an extra push by cheering all the time and yelling your name, that makes this race one of the best out there," he concludes. "I can’t wait to be back there this weekend."