Maxim Van Gils ready to continue impressive form at Amstel Gold Race for Lotto Dstny

23-year-old Maxim van Gils has been in impressive form so far this year for Lotto Dstny. After a couple of weeks off following finishing runner-up at the Volta Limburg Classic, the Belgian is now ready to take on the Amstel Gold Race.

“Unfortunately, I got ill after the Volta Limburg Classic, maybe the bad weather had something to do with it," van Gils explains to the official Lotto Dstny website. "After several good training rides and the recon together with the team, I feel ready to take on the Ardennes Classics," says the former Saudi Tour general classification winner.

“It doesn’t start in Belgium for me, but in the Amstel Gold Race," he continues. A race in which he finished 23rd twelve months ago on debut. "Last year, I participated for the first time and I learned that the Amstel is a race without too many moments of rest. Due to the toughness of the race, everyone ends up with an honest result.”

Lotto enter the race with the strong team of Andreas Kron, Pascal Eenkhoorn, Harry Sweeny, Jarrad Drizners, Arjen Livyns and Rudiger Selig all taking to the start line at the Amstel Gold Race alongside van Gils. “Just like last year, the race will be a real war of attrition, with its many hills and technical course. I expect that the trend of the past races will continue and it will split to pieces quite soon," the Belgian previews. "The decision could be anywhere but the steep Keutenberg will for sure be a crucial point. At Lotto Dstny we have several strong riders within the team and we are keen on showing ourselves again.”