Gilbert takes solo win in San Sebastian Classic

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain, July 30 (Reuters) - A devastating late lone attack gave Philippe Gilbert victory in the San Sebastian Classic one-day race on Saturday.

The Omega Pharma-Lotto rider and reigning Belgian national champion blasted away with four kilometres to go in the hilly Spanish race to take his fourth one-day Classic win this year.

Second, around 12 seconds back, was 2009 winner Carlos Barredo of Spain, with Belgian Greg Van Avermaet in third.

Prior to winning Spain’s biggest one-day race, Gilbert had already racked up victories this year in the Amstel Gold, Fleche Wallone and Liege-Bastogne-Liege Classics, as well as the opening stage of the Tour de France.

Gilbert show his strength early on when he chased down a dangerous attack by Spain’s Samuel Sanchez, winner of the 2011 Tour de France’s King of the Mountains title, on the upper slopes of the Jaizkebel.

He led the charge again when another Belgian, double Tour of Flanders champion Stijn Devolder, attempted a late solo breakaway.

Finally, after Gilbert’s team-mate Jelle Vanendert aborted a move by Barredo in the suburbs of San Sebastian, Gilbert shot off on the unclassified minor climb of the Alto de MiraCruz.

Although Sanchez and Haimar Zubeldia attempted to chase him down, it was impossible for them to make contact with the Belgian.

“There’s no dishonour in finishing second when a rider like Gilbert comes first,” Barred told reporters. “Gilbert was the strongest and a deserving winner.”