Gilbert Triumphs At San Sebastian

Last updated : 30 July 2011 By Kev Monks

Philippe Gilbert triumphed in the Clasica San Sebastian this afternoon.

A star field lined up in the Basque Country and also included Irish trio of  Nicholas Roche, Mattias Brammier of HTC and Phillip Deignan.

Brammier the Irish Champion, got himself into the escaping group and won the first two sprints to earn him the race's sprint champion jersey.

However, with three kilometres to go and the escapees long dealt with, Gilbert made his move, storming up the Alto Miracruz, just out on the edge of San Sebastian and caught up with Carlos Barredo who had been ten seconds ahead.

Fränk Schleck (Leopard Trek), Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) all tried to chase down the Omega Pharma Lotto rider but Gilbert was not to be denied and won the race in a time of 5hr, 48 mins and 52 seconds finishing twelve seconds ahead of Barredo, whilst Nicholas Roche trailed in 23rd.