Sunday’s event is one of the longest of the season – 253.6 kilometers between Maastricht and Berg en Terblijt.
Amstel Gold Race is scheduled this Sunday, and will once again put on the table a tasty parcours comprising thirth-three climbs. The most iconic of these is the Cauberg, the 800m hill averaging 6.5% that was once the finish of the race, set to be tackled two times.
The last of the ascents comes inside 30 kilometers to go, but although Cauberg will play a huge role in the outcome, or at least is expected to do that, it won’t be the only climb that will have an impact on the race, as Geulhemmerberg and Bemelerberg – both featuring in the last 20 kilometers – promise to add plenty of salt and pepper to the fight for victory.
A top 10 finisher in five of his previous six participations, Julian Alaphilippe was initially on the team’s roster for Amstel Gold Race, but as he is not fully recovered after his crash in De Ronde, will skip the race. Nevertheless, Soudal Quick-Step will count on a solid squad for the 57th edition, consisting of Andrea Bagioli, Rémi Cavagna – whose impressive ride almost netted him a podium in Brabantse Pijl this week – Dries Devenyns, Mauro Schmid, Jannik Steimle, Martin Svrcek and Stan Van Tricht.
“Amstel is a hard and very demanding race. There’s a lot of climbing, narrow roads, left and right, and road furniture – that’s why it’s important to stay attentive the whole time. Many of our guys here come from the Basque Country and Brabantse Pijl, where they put in some strong displays, so we are confident in our chances of getting a good result. Andrea and Mauro can do something on this course supported by what’s a strong and motivated team”, said Soudal Quick-Step sports director Geert Van Bondt.
Photo credit: ©David Ramos / Getty Images
Martin Svrček 