Jan Christen impresses with podium at San Sebastián Classic

Jan Christen of UAE Team Emirates‑XRG delivered a solid performance to finish second in today’s 44th edition of the Clásica de San Sebastián. Over a grueling 211.4 km race featuring six key climbs, the Swiss rider proved his strength on the demanding Basque terrain, missing out on the win by a slender margin to a flying Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek).

The team made its presence felt early, launching numerous riders up the road over the penultimate slope. It was over the Erlaitz climb, UAE Team Emirates‑XRG animated the race as Isaac Del Toro and Giulio Ciccone surged clear from an elite group. Their attack split the race and set up the finale.

With Del Toro showing signs of fatigue and the peloton closing in, Jan Christen was called into action. On the steep slopes of the final climb, the young Swiss rider responded with a powerful surge from the chasing group on the steep Murgil‑Tontorra climb. He bridged across swiftly from the chasing group but despite his efforts, Ciccone proved the strongest on the day, launching a solo attack that ultimately earned him victory. Christen crossed the line just +9” behind, securing a hard-earned second place and another podium for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) rounded out the podium as Isaac Del Toro was able to hold on to take 5th place.

Christen: “It was a hard race, Giulio was super strong. We tried everything and we almost won. On the final steep climb I felt good and could go across to Isaac and I tried to jump directly to try and surprise Ciccone and maybe set up a 1-2 with Isaac but he wasn’t feeling too good at that point. Ciccone kept the pressure on until the finish so congrats to him.”

Results

1.Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) 5:05:33

2.Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +9”

3.Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) +19”

5.Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) s.t