The excitement is palpable as the Ardennes classics officially kick off today with the Amstel Gold Race, the first of three prestigious World Tour events. Known for its tactical nature, the Amstel Gold Race is set to feature a star-studded lineup, including some of the biggest names in cycling, as they tackle the challenging course in search of victory.
The final startlist for the 2025 Amstel Gold Race boasts an impressive array of talent. Among the riders are Maxim van Gils, Julian Alaphilippe, Marc Hirschi, Matteo Trentin, Fred Wright, Pello Bilbao, Santiago Buitrago, Alexey Lutsenko, Corbin Strong, Tom Pidcock, Thibau Nys, Mattias Skjelmose, Toms Skujins, Michael Matthews, Ben O'Connor, Magnus Sheffield, Ben Healy, Neilson Powless, Clément Champoussin, Wout van Aert, Tiesj Benoot, Dylan van Baarle, Remco Evenepoel, Max Schachmann, Brandon McNulty, Tadej Pogacar, Jhaontan Narváez, Pavel Sivakov, Valentin Madouas, Alex Aranburu, and Dylan Teuns. With such a deep field, the tactical battles are sure to be fierce.
Among the riders to watch is Thibau Nys, who is gearing up for his first-ever Ardennes classic. The young Belgian, riding for Lidl-Trek, has quickly made a name for himself since joining the WorldTour in 2023. Nys has set his sights on the Flèche Wallonne, a race he has dreamed of winning since childhood. In a recent episode of All Access, Nys shared his aspirations, saying, "As a kid, before I was junior, before I even thought about making a road career, I always felt like if there was one race, where I might have a chance to win, it was Flèche."
Today, however, he will focus on the Amstel Gold Race. Nys expressed his ambitions, stating, "It's the first time I want to be good in those classics, starting with the Amstel. It's a little earlier than I started the last two seasons. But I feel like I have the best build-up possible coming into my first race." His confidence is evident, but he also recognizes the challenges ahead. "I've never been better. But that's no guarantee of a victory in a classic or of a good result. But that's not what's on my mind. I want to be the best version of myself, and I know I might ride my best possible race in the Flèche Wallonne or the Amstel Gold Race and still get dropped. Then that's how it is, and I can learn from it for the coming years," he added.
Nys's strong winter training has prepared him well, and he is eager to test his skills against seasoned competitors. He acknowledges the unique nature of the Ardennes classics, stating, "It's going to be very difficult. You have to be at your best to have a chance in that last minute, half a minute. But the second-to-last climb is also difficult. If you're already at your limit there, it's hard to get some oxygen back into your legs.”
With the Amstel Gold Race set to unfold today, all eyes will be on the riders as they navigate the tactical challenges of the course. The race is known for its rolling hills and demanding climbs, which will test the riders' endurance and strategy. Each rider's ability to position themselves effectively will be crucial as they approach the final kilometers.
As for Nys, he is taking a balanced approach to his debut in the Ardennes classics. While he aims for a strong performance, he understands the importance of experience in these high-stakes races. "I don't have any experience in this kind of race. I know the climb, my form, and what I can do in such an effort, but not compared to the guys who have already performed in this race. I have no reference points; it's like going in blind. But I am confident," he remarked.
Following the Amstel Gold Race, Nys will turn his attention to La Flèche Wallonne on April 23, where he hopes to make a significant impact. He will be joined by Mattais Skjelmose, who finished second in the 2023 edition of the race. Nys’s determination to perform well in these classics reflects his ambition to solidify his place among the elite in cycling.
In preparation for the Ardennes classics, Nys and his father, Sven Nys, a cyclocross legend, have been working together to fine-tune his strategy. The bond between them is evident as they share insights and experiences from their respective careers. Sven’s guidance has been invaluable as Thibau navigates the transition from cyclocross to road racing.
As the Amstel Gold Race unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how Nys and the other competitors manage the tactical elements of the race. With a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, the dynamics of the race are sure to provide thrilling moments.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an exhilarating day of racing. The Amstel Gold Race is known for its unpredictable nature, and with such a formidable startlist, anything can happen. Will Thibau Nys rise to the occasion in his debut Ardennes classic? The cycling world is watching as the riders prepare to battle it out on the roads of the Netherlands.
