Racing for the first time since Giro heartbreak, Ciccone stamps his authority on the Clásica San Sebastián
After an extended absence from racing whilst recovering from the crash that made him leave the Giro in May, Giulio Ciccone returned to racing in the best way possible: winning. As the selection was made on Erlaitz, the penultimate climb of the Basque classic, Ciccone made sure he was present. When he saw that he was outnumbered in the group, with UAE Team Emirates and Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe both present with two riders, Ciccone upped the pace, with only Isaac Del Toro able to join him. The pair worked together well over the top of Erlaitz before a fast descent into San Sebastián ahead of the final 18km loop. As Cicco pushed the pace on the final climb, Del Toro faded, instead replaced by his teammate Jan Christen. Cicco lead Christen by 10 seconds through the technical descent and subsequent race through the streets of San Sebastián. The Italian held on to his advantage to the line, giving him time to savor the moment as the passionate Basque fans cheered for his victory.
The winner’s word
“I think this is something special. After the crash in the Giro it was not easy to continue with the same morale, mentally it was a really hard moment for me. I had two weeks rest, then realized it was the moment to come back even stronger than before. I need to say thanks to my team and teammates because they really pushed a lot for me. Honestly, I didn’t expect that I was able to win already today, but I’m really happy to have these legs and the same shape I had in the Giro before the crash.
[On Murgil Tontorra] “I think this was the moment where I took the decision to go full gas. I saw Del Toro dropping and Christen was coming from the back so this was the moment to try. I think in the end it was the right decision.
“Winning here is something special, I really like this race. The first time I did this race I had a special feeling when Markel [Irizar] stopped his career here, and from there we always put this race in the calendar. I really love it and it’s a pleasure to win.”
When quizzed about his 100% sunglasses remaining on his face, Giulio said, “I was scared to risk something with the victory, I just wanted to enjoy. But, I tell you I was thinking to do something, then I said ‘ok, it’s ok like this, I will just enjoy the moment’.”
