AFP/File – Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert, pictured in action on July 15, made a solo breakaway four kilometres … MADRID (AFP) – Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert made a solo breakaway four kilometres from home to power home and win the 31st edition of the San Sebastian classic on Saturday.
Earlier this season, the Omega-Pharma rider became just the second man to win all three of the Ardennes classics.
The 29-year-old Gilbert came home 12secs ahead of the Spaniard Carlos Barredo (Rabobank) and fellow Belgian Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).
Luxembourg's Frank Schleck, who finished third in the Tour de France last weekend, came in sixth at the end of the 234km course.
"It's a great victory and a beautiful race. Today I had a great emotions, it's been an incredible year for me," said Gilbert who won the first stage of the Tour de France this year.
With Tour winner Cadel Evans and Alberto Contador both skipping the event, Gilbert resisted attacks from the start of the race.
He also shrugged off the effects of having had just six hours sleep before the start after a late arrival from Belgium.
Key to the race was being part of a 10-man group which broke away with 15km left with Omega Pharma-Lotto teammate Jelle Vanendert leading the way as Gilbert chose his moment to break for the line at the 4km mark.
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