Remco Evenepoel edges Pello Bilbao to take record equalling third Clasica San Sebastian victory

In a two-man sprint to the line, Remco Evenepoel defeated Pello Bilbao in a thrilling finale to take a record equalling third Clasica San Sebastian victory.

Remco Evenepoel's attempt to defend his title at the Clásica San Sebastián did not get off on the best of footings, with the World Champion crashing in the neutralized start.

Thankfully the Belgian was okay to continue and with around 70km to go, Evenepoel launched a big attack, riding clear from the main peloton in an elite six-man group alongside Aleksandr Vlasov, Romain Bardet, Alberto Bettiol, Pello Bilbao and Nathan Van Hooydonck.

As the leaders began the penultimate climb of the day, their advantage over what remained of the peloton was 1:16.

As Felix Gall started the counter-attacks behind, Evenepoel upped the pace in the lead group, riding all but Bilbao and Vlasov off his wheel on the slopes.

On the final climb of the day, the tension and expectation of an incoming Evenepoel attack was high. Rather than a big attack though, the Belgian opted to gradually up the pace and that pressure cracked Vlasov, Bilbao though was looking good.

In a two-up sprint to the line, it was Evenepoel who edged out Bilbao for victory.