Mischa Bredewold has stunned the cycling world by winning the Amstel Gold Race on April 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career. The 24-year-old from Amersfoort, who previously clinched the European Championship in 2023, made a decisive move during the final climb of the Cauberg, leaving behind her competitors Ellen van Dijk and Puck Pieterse to take her first victory in a classic cycling event.
The race, which spanned 157 kilometers and featured 22 climbs, began at 9:55 AM from the Markt in Maastricht. The early hours saw a breakaway group of nine riders, but they were quickly reeled in by the peloton. Notably, Anna van der Breggen, a previous winner of the Amstel Gold Race, abandoned the race early due to illness, leaving the competition wide open.
At around 50 kilometers to go, a significant breakaway formed, consisting of 23 riders, including Bredewold, Van Dijk, Pieterse, and Lorena Wiebes. This group quickly established a lead of nearly two minutes over the main peloton, which included some of the race's top favorites like Demi Vollering, Marianne Vos, and Lotte Kopecky, who unfortunately missed the key break.
As the race progressed towards the final climbs, the dynamics shifted dramatically. On the penultimate ascent of the Cauberg, Juliette Labous launched an attack, prompting a response from Pieterse and others. Bredewold and Van Dijk, who had been lurking in the background, managed to join the leading group, which was now down to five riders: Bredewold, Van Dijk, Pieterse, Labous, and Silvia Persico.
With just five kilometers remaining, Van Dijk made a bold move, attempting to break away. Bredewold, however, was quick to respond, and the two began the final climb of the Cauberg with a slim lead. Bredewold proved to be the stronger climber, eventually dropping Van Dijk and holding off Pieterse, who was in hot pursuit.
As Bredewold approached the finish line in Vilt, she celebrated her victory, becoming the successor to last year's champion Marianne Vos. "After mentally tough weeks, everything fell into place for me in the Amstel Gold Race," Bredewold exclaimed, reflecting on her journey to this moment. Her win not only highlights her talent but also marks a significant achievement for the SD Worx-Protime team.
The podium was entirely Dutch, with Ellen van Dijk claiming silver and Puck Pieterse, in her debut at this event, taking home the bronze. Pieterse's performance was commendable, and she expressed her excitement about finishing on the podium in such a prestigious race.
Overall, the Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition showcased thrilling racing and highlighted the depth of talent in women's cycling. With Bredewold's victory, the event continues to build its reputation as a premier race in the women's cycling calendar, and fans are already looking forward to next year's edition.
