The peloton set off in San Sebastián for 236 kilometres on rolling roads. Along the way, the steep climbs of the Jaizkibel, the Erlaitz and the Pilotegi awaited the riders. Among the starters was Kuss, who had just won the Vuelta a Burgos on Friday. The 29-year-old American had Jonas Vingegaard by his side, who was riding his first race after a rest and training period after the Tour de France.  

The Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders took control in the peloton. At the foot of the ultra-steep Erlaitz, the last early breakaway rider was caught. There it soon became clear that Vingegaard did not have the best feeling. The Dane could not follow the pace at the front and he left the race moments later. Kuss was part of a chasing group for a long time. He eventually finished 33rd.  

"It was a tough day," Kuss responded afterwards. "We took responsibility as a team and we did that superbly. A result didn't come out in the end, but we can be happy with how we approached the race. In a final like this, you have to have top legs. Unfortunately that was not the case today. Now I am taking some rest. That way I can prepare optimally for the start of the Vuelta. I'm looking forward to that."  

Sports director Marc Reef agreed with Kuss: "We had a good plan and we were ready. As planned beforehand, we took our responsibility in the peloton. Milan Vader and Julien Vermote did an excellent job of keeping the leading group within range. Then Thomas Gloag and Dylan van Baarle rode a strong climb of the Jaizkibel. On the Erlaitz we wanted to continue our plan, but during the climb our leaders simply didn't have the legs. That is unfortunate, but that is part of cycling sometimes and we have to accept that."