"The Basque fans are maybe the best in the world": 2016 champion Bauke Mollema bids emotional farewell to Clásica San Sebastián
Cycling
Bauke Mollema brought the curtain down on his final Clásica San Sebastián on Saturday, closing the chapter on one of the races that defined his career. Although the Dutch veteran did not finish this year's edition, he took the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere, reflect on his memorable 2016 triumph, and say goodbye to the Basque fans who have supported him throughout the years.
A special farewell in the Basque Country
The 39-year-old Lidl-Trek rider will retire at the end of the season, making this his last appearance in the Spanish Classic. Mollema wanted to enjoy the experience, and he praised the unique atmosphere created by the local supporters.
"That worked out pretty well. I have great memories here, and the Basque Country has a beautiful landscape. It's a fantastic course, and the Basque fans are maybe the best cycling fans in the world," Mollema told NOS.
San Sebastián will always hold a special place in Mollema's career thanks to his solo victory in 2016. The Dutchman attacked on the final climb before holding off stars such as Alejandro Valverde, Tony Gallopin and Joaquim Rodríguez to claim one of the biggest wins of his career.
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Looking back, Mollema admitted that the victory came after a frustrating end to the Tour de France. "I came out of the Tour, which ended a bit disappointingly."
His hopes of a podium finish in France had disappeared after a crash, while another fall on the famous Mont Ventoux stage left him struggling with a knee injury. Fortunately, a visit to an osteopath just before San Sebastián proved decisive.
"I had been suffering with my knee after my crash on Mont Ventoux during the Tour. Then I went to see a very good osteopath in the Netherlands, and the day before San Sebastián I felt so good. I was able to take advantage of that."
Bauke Mollema won Il Lombardia 2019
Time to enjoy the scenery
Unlike previous years, Mollema was no longer racing for a result. Instead, he allowed himself to appreciate details he had never noticed while competing. He even revealed that he discovered something new along the route.
"I was looking for some interaction with the fans and had time to look around. After the Jaizkibel there's a flat section, and normally I'm completely focused there, but this time I noticed for the first time that there's an airport."
Knowing the course inside out also influenced his decision not to complete the race. "I knew the course well enough that I didn't want to ride that final steep climb anymore. I took a shortcut to the team bus."
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Mollema leaves San Sebastián as one of the race's most successful recent riders, having stood on the podium four times, including his memorable victory in 2016.
After the finish, the Dutchman joined fellow retiring Basque riders Ion Izagirre and Pello Bilbao on the podium for a special tribute, bringing an emotional close to his long relationship with one of cycling's most iconic one-day races.
His professional career will officially come to an end later this season at Il Lombardia.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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