Preview: Amstel Gold Race. The Ardennes classics kick off in Limburg

Snuck in before Paris-Roubaix this year, Amstel Gold race makes the transition between the cobbled and hilly classics, where the puncheurs and climbers come to the spotlight in what is the first of the Ardennes classics. It will take place in the tenth of April, and is one of the final spring classics.

250 kilometers on a menu. It is the first of the three Ardennes classics, and the one that suits the most the rouleurs and riders who are coming straight from the cobbled classics campaign. Climbs come thick and fast throughout the whole day... From 45 to 27 kilometers to go there will be a string of small ascents, six in total which will be very hard to control. Every climb provides an opportunity, and in these 16 kilometers we’ll see a lot of action off the front as it will be very hard to control.

The final real climb of the day will be the Cauberg, comes with 17.5 kilometers to go. The Bemelerberg is the final climb of the day, just 500 meters at 5.6% with 6 kilometers to go. It is a possible launchpad but slipstreaming is very possible. From there on there will be some narrower roads, very fast all the way into Berg en Terblijt, sense of opportunity may be more important than raw power.

Zweeler Fantasy Sports Games predictions:

**** Mathieu van der Poel

*** Tom Pidcock, Michael Matthews

** Mate Mohoric, Valentin Madouas, Christophe Laporte

* Benoit Cosnefroy, Marc Hirschi, Simon Clarke, Dylan Teuns

You will be able to keep up with the race here on CyclingUpToDate as we bring you the race report and interviews surrounding Amstel Gold Race.