Cycling: Gilbert takes San Sebastian classic

MADRID: Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert made a solo breakaway four kilometres from home to win the San Sebastian classic. Earlier this season, the Omega-Pharma rider had became just the second man to win all three of the Ardennes classics. The 29-year-old came home 12 seconds ahead of the Spaniard Carlos Barredo and Greg Van Avermaet. Luxembourg’s Frank Schleck, who finished third in the Tour de France, came in sixth. “It’s a great victory and a beautiful race,” said Gilbert, who won the first stage of the Tour de France. “It’s been an incredible year for me.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2011.