Clasica San Sebastian race guide

Learn about this famous Basque Country classic as the WorldTour resumes on Saturday.

The WorldTour returns after the Tour de France with many of the sport’s best riders descending on the Basque Country to contest the Clasica San Sebástian.

Spain might not be known for its Classics, but this race is the jewel in their one-day crown, and the passionate local fans make it one of the most colourful races on the calendar.

The Donostia-Donostia Klasikoa (as it's known locally) has continued to gain prestige in recent years thanks to an impressive list of winners, and there will be plenty of riders who want to add this title to their palmares.

The tough 219km route offers the perfect warm up for those looking who are looking to fine-tune their form ahead of the Vuelta a Espana, and with WorldTour points up for grabs, it will be as hotly-contested as ever.

Team Sky return to the Clasica San Sebástian with a strong squad featuring two riders – Peter Kennaugh and Nicolas Roche - who were part of the triumphant Tour de France line up. Nathan Earle, Sebastian Henao, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Danny Pate, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton complete the eight man team.

The 35th edition

Last year’s shorter but punchier course proved such a success that the exact same route is being used this time around.

The race begins in San Sebastián and follows the coastline towards Zarautz before heading inland into the undulating Gipuzkoa province.

After a number of short, sharp ramps, the peloton hit the first categorised climb. The Alto Iturburu (59.5km) is the highest of the six peaks on the route and its slopes will be a likely springboard for the day’s initial attacks.

After a steep descent, the bunch will make their way over a number of uncategorised lumps before reaching the Alto de Jaizkibel (125km). The first-category test has variable gradients right the way along its 7.8km face, and the early slopes at 8% will definitely test the bunch.

The second-category Alto de Arkale (147.8km) is next up, and although it is much shorter than the Jaizkibel, its consistently steep gradient could well shake things up as fatigue begins to take hold.

There is little let up for the peloton as they return to the Alto de Jaizkibel, and with 165.3km in the legs, the climb will be far tougher than the first time they tackled it.

The race will no-doubt ignite on the second passage of the Alto de Arkale, and a well-timed attack here could mean victory as the riders descend towards the final climb of the day.

The Bordako Tontorra (211.9km) is the last test and it’s position so close to the finish means it is likely to be a decisive factor in determining the race winner.

The steep incline will suit the punchers and it could be the perfect launch pad for a final attack before the downhill run into the finish on the boulevard near the Playa Zurriola.

Live on British Eurosport 1 between 1430 and 1630 with highlights at 1900