Team Columbia sends opportunists to San Sebastián

The US-based Team Columbia will send a strong squad of opportunists to attack the finale of Saturday's Clásica San Sebastián in Spain, the latest round of the UCI ProTour. The team's climbers will be on the lookout for a move to form on the race's most difficult climb, the Alto de Jaizkebel, which comes with 39 kilometres to go

"We won't be looking at getting in the early breaks unless they're 15 or 20-strong and looking really dangerous. The best policy at San Sebastián is always to wait for the Jaizkebel climb close to the finish," said directeur sportif Allan Peiper. "There's invariably a move early on, but the Spanish teams always calculate it so things come back together for Jaizkebel. So that's where we will plan to try and make our move."

The race will see German Linus Gerdemann, who is returning from injury, looking for a solid result in the Clásica. "It's important for [Gerdemann] to keep building up his confidence after such a long time away from racing," said Peiper. Gerdemann finished seventh overall in his first race back at the Sachsen-Tour.

The race will also provide an opportunity for the team's Olympians to tune up their legs before heading off to China. Kanstantsin Siutzou, Edvald Boasson Hagen and Michael Barry will all be heading to Beijing after the race. "San Sebastián represents an opportunity for them to shake off the cobwebs and have a good, full-on, test-out of their form before they head off to represent their country at Beijing."

Columbia for San Sebastián: Michael Barry, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Linus Gerdemann, Craig Lewis, Morris Possoni, Kanstantsin Siutzou

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura's specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.