2021 CLASICA SAN SEBASTIAN RESULTS – NEILSON POWLESS TAKES FIRST PRO WIN

Neilson Powless (USA - EF Education - Nippo)

American Neilson Powless of EF Education-Nippo won the San Sebastian classic on Saturday after edging a thrilling three-way dash for the line on the Basque city’s famous seafront. The 24-year-old from California was part of a breakaway over the narrow hill roads outside San Sebastian and finished the 143 mile course in 5:34:31, just ahead of Slovenia’s Matej Mohoric and Mikkel Honore of Denmark. Powless identifies as a Native American of the Oneida tribe, and is the son of two professional triathletes.

Powless, who recently completed the Tour de France with his American outfit, drew level with and overtook Bahrain Victorious’ Mohoric right on the line.

After riding in rain most of the afternoon the main pack of riders featuring world champion Julian Alaphilippe crossed the line at the giant horseshoe bay La Concha beach 1:04 adrift.

The race is the first major test in the build up to the Vuelta a Espana in two weeks time where Egan Bernal is tipped to complete a hat-trick of Grand Tour wins, the Colombian was in the mix on Saturday, ending 1:09 down on the day.

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RESULTS

1	POWLESS Neilson	EF Education – Nippo	5:34:31
2	MOHORIČ Matej	Bahrain – Victorious	0:00
3	HONORÉ Mikkel Frølich	Deceuninck – Quick Step	0:00
4	ROTA Lorenzo	Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux	0:00
5	COVI Alessandro	UAE-Team Emirates	1:04
6	ALAPHILIPPE Julian	Deceuninck – Quick Step	1:04
7	EIKING Odd Christian	Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux	1:04
8	VINGEGAARD Jonas	Team Jumbo-Visma	1:04
9	MOSCON Gianni	INEOS Grenadiers	1:04
10	MOLLEMA Bauke	Trek – Segafredo	1:04

RBA/AFP Photos: Bettini