Race Date: August 1, 2026 (Saturday)
Race Category: UCI WorldTour
Race Name: Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa (Clásica San Sebastián)
Location: Donostia / San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain
Following the conclusion of the 2026 Tour de France, the WorldTour calendar quickly moves into the summer one-day classic season. On August 1, the iconic Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa will once again bring the world’s best riders to the demanding roads of the Basque Country.
Known for its relentless climbs, technical descents, and aggressive racing style, the San Sebastián Classic has become one of the most spectacular one-day races on the international cycling calendar. As one of the most prestigious WorldTour classics held after the Tour de France, the race attracts top general classification riders, climbers, and all-round classics specialists looking to continue their strong form after cycling’s biggest stage race.
A Historic Basque Classic and a Major WorldTour Challenge
First held in 1981, the Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa has built a reputation as one of the most demanding and respected one-day races in professional cycling. The event traditionally starts and finishes in Donostia / San Sebastián, with the stunning Basque coastline and challenging mountain roads providing a unique backdrop for the race.
Over the years, the race has attracted many of the world’s top riders, including Grand Tour contenders and elite climbers. Its position shortly after the Tour de France makes it a key test of both physical condition and recovery ability, with many riders arriving in excellent form after three weeks of intense racing.
Unlike traditional flat classics, San Sebastián rewards riders who combine climbing ability, explosive power, descending skills, and tactical intelligence. The winner is usually a complete rider capable of surviving a long and selective race before making the decisive move in the final kilometers.
2026 Route: 221.1 km and More Than 4,150 Meters of Elevation Gain
The 2026 edition features a challenging 221.1-kilometer route with seven categorized climbs and more than 4,150 meters of total elevation gain. The race maintains its traditional Basque character, starting and finishing in Donostia / San Sebastián while taking riders through the demanding landscapes of Gipuzkoa.
The peloton will face a combination of coastal roads, technical mountain sections, and repeated changes in gradient. The route is designed to gradually weaken the group before the decisive final phase.
The key battles are expected to take place in the final part of the race, where several iconic Basque climbs will determine the contenders.
Jaizkibel — The First Major Selection Point
The legendary Jaizkibel climb has long been one of the defining features of the San Sebastián Classic. Its length and strategic position make it a crucial moment where stronger teams begin to increase the pressure.
Although Jaizkibel is not usually the final decisive climb, it often creates the first major split and reveals which riders have the strength to fight for victory.
Erlaitz — The Climb That Shapes the Final Battle
After Jaizkibel, riders will face the demanding Erlaitz climb, one of the hardest ascents of the race.
With steep gradients and a difficult rhythm, Erlaitz is often where the race becomes truly selective. Strong teams may use this section to launch attacks, while many riders will struggle to remain in contention.
By the summit, the leading group is usually reduced to a small number of favorites capable of fighting for the victory.
Murgil Tontorra — Where the Winner Is Often Decided
The final decisive climb, Murgil Tontorra, remains the signature moment of the Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa finale.
This short but extremely steep ascent creates one of the most dramatic finishes in professional cycling. With gradients reaching above 20 percent in parts, Murgil Tontorra is not only a physical challenge but also a tactical battlefield where riders must choose the perfect moment to attack.
After reaching the summit, riders descend toward Monte Igeldo before returning to the streets of San Sebastián for the final kilometers. A rider who creates a gap on Murgil Tontorra often gains a decisive advantage, although a small chasing group can still fight back before the finish.
Who Will Be the Favorites?
The Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa has never been a race for pure sprinters. Instead, it favors versatile riders who can handle long distances, repeated climbs, and explosive final attacks.
The strongest contenders are expected to come from several categories:
Grand Tour riders carrying momentum from the Tour de France;
climbers with strong one-day racing abilities;
classics specialists who excel on steep Basque climbs;
aggressive attackers capable of creating gaps in the final 20 kilometers.
The race requires more than climbing power alone. Riders must also manage fatigue, position themselves correctly, descend confidently, and maintain enough explosive power for the final showdown.
Key Race Expectations
The 2026 Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa will once again deliver everything that makes the Basque Classic special: demanding climbs, unpredictable attacks, technical descents, and a dramatic finale.
With 221.1 kilometers of racing and more than 4,150 meters of elevation gain, the event will test the complete abilities of the world’s best riders.
For riders coming directly from the Tour de France, this race will be a major test of whether they can maintain peak performance after three weeks of Grand Tour intensity. For younger riders and one-day specialists, it represents a valuable opportunity to achieve a prestigious WorldTour victory.
On August 1, 2026, all eyes will once again turn to the Basque Country as the world’s elite riders battle across the iconic roads of Donostia. Whether a Tour de France star continues their dominance or a new name emerges on the WorldTour stage, the Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa promises another unforgettable chapter in cycling history.
