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. A test of endurance, a race that features
small but repetitive climbs in Limburg to make for what is one of the most
unique days of the season. 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, it is unlikely that
serious action will come before the final hour though as it will be crucial to
spend as little bullets as possible In order to have the legs towards the
finale. From 45 to 27 kilometers to go there will be a string of small asccents, six in total which will be very hard to control. Every climb provides
an opportunity, and in these 16 kilometers you’ll see a lot of action off the
front as it’s very hard to control.
The Cauberg comes with 17.5 kilometers to go, it’s the climb that used
to close off the race. It still is the last serious climb of the race, but the
attacks have to be done earlier. 800 meters at 6.5%, which then see a set of
rolling roads where to make differences will be very complicated. 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.
Maastricht - Valkenburg (Berg en Terbljt), 251Km