Jalabert reigns in Spain

Jalabert enjoys his win in the 21st San Sebastian Classic

Frenchman Laurent Jalabert sprinted to victory to claim the 21st San Sebastian Classic in the sixth event of the 2001 World Cup.

Jalabert, 32, of the CSC-Tiscali team finished ahead of three Italians.

Francesco Casagrande was second, Davide Rebellin finished third and Wladimir Belli fourth.

Cyclists pass a beach in the San Sebastian Classic

The quartet had broken away from the peloton on the final major climb before the downhill run-in to the coastal city.

With two kilometres remaining, the four began jostling for position.

Jalabert won the tactical battle, sprinting away with 100 metres to finish a bike length ahead of Casagrande and Rebellin.

Former world number one Jalabert's win is the latest in an increasing list of victories in 2001.

He claimed two stage wins of this year's Tour de France and also won the Tour polka dot jersey for the best climber.

His resurgence this season has been all the more impressive considering his career was put in doubt in February when he fell off a ladder while doing some DIY, cracking a number of ribs.

Dekker's lead

In the World Cup, Dutchman Erik Dekker strengthened his lead, taking 20 points in the sixth event of the 10-race series.

The Rabobank rider, winner in San Sebastian in 2000, finished ninth.

His lead over second-placed Rebellin is 75 points. There are still 100 each available to the winners of the remaining events.

The next round is in Hamburg, Germany, next weekend, followed by a race in Switerland a week later and two more in the autumn.

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Leading finishers:
1. Laurent Jalabert (Fra) 228km in 5hr 17min 54sec
2. Francesco Casagrande (Ita)
3. Davide Rebellin (Ita)
4. Wladimir Belli (Ita) all same time
5. Serge Baguet (Bel) at 26sec
6. Stefano Garzelli (Ita)
7. Piotr Wadecki (Pol)
8. Andrea Ferrigato (Ita)
9. Erik Dekker (Ned)
10. Javier Pascual Llorente (Spa) all at 34sec

Leading World Cup standings
1. Erik Dekker (Ned) 219 points
2. Davide Rebellin (Ita) 144
3. Gianluca Bortolami (Ita) 131
4. Oscar Camenzind (Swi) 126
5. Johan Museeuw (Bel) 116
6. Romans Vainsteins (Lat) 116
7. Francesco Casagrande (Ita) 113
8. Sarvais Knaven (Ned) 101
9. Erik Zabel (Ger) 100
10. Serge Baguet (Bel) 90