The excitement is building as the 2025 Amstel Gold Race approaches, set to take place on April 20, 2025. This iconic cycling event marks the third of the Ardennes classics, showcasing the beauty and challenge of the Limburg hills in the Netherlands. With both men’s and women’s races on the card, fans are in for a thrilling day of competition.
The Amstel Gold Race is renowned for its challenging course, which features a total distance of 253km for the men and 157km for the women. Cyclists will navigate a lasso-like route that includes the notorious climbs of the Cauberg, Bemmelerberg, and Geulhemmerberg. These hills have historically played a crucial role in determining the race outcomes, and this year promises to be no different.
Last year, the women’s race saw a dramatic finish as Marianne Vos managed to outpace a celebrating Lorena Wiebes to secure victory in a shortened event. Meanwhile, Tom Pidcock claimed the men’s title, marking his only road victory of 2024. With both champions returning this year, expectations are high for another exhilarating showdown.
This year’s race is further heightened by the return of Remco Evenepoel to the WorldTour stage, alongside the defending champion Tadej Pogačar and the ever-competitive Wout van Aert. The men’s race is set to be a fierce contest as these top riders clash on the climbs of Limburg. Van Aert, who has had a disappointing spring on the cobblestones, is eager to turn his fortunes around. “I’m looking forward to being back at the start of De Brabantse Pijl,” van Aert stated on the team’s website. “It’s an extra opportunity for me to ride a beautiful spring classic.”
In the women’s race, Demi Vollering is making her return to road racing after a month-long hiatus. She will be joined by strong competitors including Elisa Longo Borghini, Lotte Kopecky, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and of course, Vos, who will all be vying for the coveted title.
The Amstel Gold Race is not just about individual glory; it’s also a test of team strategy and dynamics. Teams will be looking to position their riders advantageously throughout the race, especially on the critical climbs where the race is often decided. Tiesj Benoot, who has finished second in the Amstel Gold Race in both 2022 and 2024, emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “The Amstel Gold Race has a strong field of participants. The switch from cobblestones to hilly classics should not be underestimated.”
As for the broadcast, fans will have plenty of options to catch all the action live. In the UK, coverage will begin at 12:00 on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+, with the women’s race airing first until 13:30, followed by the men’s race from 13:30 to 16:30. For viewers in the USA and Canada, FloBikes will provide coverage starting at 7:00 EST, while Australian fans can watch both races on SBS On Demand from 21:00 AET. European viewers will have access through various broadcasters, including Eurosport and national channels like NOS in the Netherlands.
With the anticipation building, the Amstel Gold Race is set to be a highlight of the cycling calendar. Fans are eager to see if van Aert can finally secure his first win of the season, or if Evenepoel and Pogačar will dominate the podium. The women’s race is equally poised for excitement as the top competitors line up for what promises to be a thrilling day of cycling.
In addition to the competitive spirit, the Amstel Gold Race also celebrates the culture and beauty of the Limburg region. The picturesque landscape provides a stunning backdrop for the athletes as they tackle the challenging terrain. The race not only tests the physical limits of the cyclists but also showcases the rich cycling heritage of the Netherlands.
As the date draws closer, both the cyclists and fans are gearing up for what is sure to be an unforgettable event. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the 2025 Amstel Gold Race is poised to deliver a day filled with excitement, drama, and perhaps even history.
