The 2025 Amstel Gold Race is set to ignite the cycling season as it marks the beginning of the Ardennes Classics, taking place on Sunday, April 20. With a challenging course that stretches 255.9 kilometers for the men and 157.4 kilometers for the women, this race is anticipated to deliver thrilling action and dramatic finishes.
After the cobbled Classics, riders are eager to tackle the hilly terrain of the Netherlands, particularly the iconic Cauberg, which returns to the finale for the first time in nearly a decade. The men's race will feature this legendary climb just 2.5 kilometers from the finish, while the women will face it five times throughout their race.
Fans are particularly excited to see Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), the reigning champion of the 2023 Amstel Gold Race, who is favored to win again. Pogačar has shown remarkable form this season, finishing second in Paris-Roubaix just a week before the Amstel. "I’ve been preparing for this race, and I feel ready to give it my all," Pogačar said, emphasizing his focus on winning the Ardennes Triple this year.
Challenging Pogačar will be last year's winner, Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling), who aims to defend his title after a solid spring campaign. Pidcock's confidence is high after a strong performance in the Strade Bianche earlier this season, where he displayed his climbing prowess. "Amstel Gold is a race that suits me well, and I’m excited to compete again," he remarked.
Another key contender is Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep), who is making his season debut at Amstel after recovering from injuries sustained in December. Evenepoel's return has been highly anticipated, and he is eager to make an impact. "I know I have a lot to prove, and I’m ready to race hard," he stated, reflecting on his preparation for the event.
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) is also in the mix, having had a solid start to the season with two fourth-place finishes in major races. Van Aert, a former winner of the Amstel, is looking to regain his winning form. "I’ve been working on my strategy for this race, and I believe I can compete at the highest level," he commented.
Among the other contenders are Marc Hirschi (Tudor Pro Cycling), who finished second to Pidcock last year, and Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost), who has shown strong form in recent races. Healy, who was second to Pogačar in 2023, has been training hard and is ready to make a statement. "I’m feeling good and ready to take on the challenge," Healy expressed.
The women's race promises to be equally competitive, featuring Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ), who won the Amstel Gold Race in 2023 and is looking to reclaim her title after a break from racing. Vollering’s track record in the Ardennes Classics makes her a formidable opponent. "I’m excited to be back and ready to give it my all," she said.
Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), another former winner, is also a top contender. With a strong start to the season and a history of success in the race, Vos aims to defend her title. "I know this course well, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead," Vos commented.
Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) is another rider to watch, particularly after her impressive victory in Dwars door Vlaanderen earlier this season. However, following a concussion from a crash in the Tour of Flanders, her form remains uncertain. "I’m hoping to be at my best, but we’ll see how the race unfolds," Longo Borghini remarked.
With a total of 34 climbs on the men’s route, the Amstel Gold Race is known for its unpredictable nature, and this year is expected to be no different. The narrow roads and steep ascents will provide ample opportunities for attacks and strategic plays among the riders.
As the race approaches, many eyes will be on the Brabantse Pijl, which takes place on Friday, April 18, 2025. This race is anticipated to offer insights into the form of various contenders as they prepare for the Amstel Gold Race.
In summary, the 2025 Amstel Gold Race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing some of the best talents in cycling as they tackle the demanding climbs of the Limburg region. With top contenders like Pogačar, Pidcock, Evenepoel, and Vollering, fans can expect an exhilarating competition that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
