In a stunning display of grit and determination, Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek clinched victory at the 2025 Amstel Gold Race, held on April 20, 2025. The Danish cyclist not only secured his first major one-day race win but did so by outpacing two of cycling's biggest stars, Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, in a nail-biting sprint finish. This victory marks a significant milestone in Skjelmose's career, who previously won the Tour de Suisse in 2023 and finished fifth in the 2024 Vuelta a España.
The Amstel Gold Race, renowned for its challenging 255.9-km course featuring 34 climbs, including three ascents of the infamous Cauberg, set the stage for an exhilarating contest. The race began in Maastricht, and as the riders tackled the undulating terrain, the tension built among the favorites, including Pogačar, Evenepoel, and Tom Pidcock, the defending champion.
Action kicked off early when Julian Alaphilippe launched an attack on the Gulperberg with 47 kilometers remaining, forcing Pogačar to respond. The Slovenian rider quickly dropped Alaphilippe on the next climb, the Kruisberg, and went solo, extending his lead to a formidable 30 seconds as he powered through the course. Behind him, Evenepoel, who had suffered a crash earlier in the race, rallied his team and began his pursuit.
As the race progressed, Evenepoel, with Ilan Van Wilder leading the chase, worked tirelessly to keep Pogačar within reach. Meanwhile, Skjelmose, riding smartly, waited for the right moment to strike. With just 8 kilometers to go, Skjelmose and Evenepoel managed to bridge the gap to Pogačar, who was beginning to show signs of fatigue.
In the final moments of the race, the three riders found themselves together at the foot of the Cauberg, where the tension reached its peak. Evenepoel led the charge up the climb, with Pogačar closely following. However, Skjelmose, having conserved energy during the chase, launched his sprint at just the right moment. As the finish line approached, it became a thrilling contest of speed and strategy.
"No, I really don't [believe it]," Skjelmose said in disbelief after the race. "I was telling Remco all the time that I was fucked and 'Please, pull on the climbs, I'm on the limit'." His humility and surprise at his victory were evident as he dedicated the win to his late grandfather, saying, "This is for him."
As the riders crossed the line, it was Skjelmose who edged out both Pogačar and Evenepoel by a mere tire's width, securing his place in cycling history. Pogačar, who finished second, acknowledged Skjelmose’s effort, stating, "The finish line was five meters too far." Evenepoel, who had played a crucial role in the chase, expressed his disappointment after nearly six hours of racing.
Wout van Aert finished fourth, 34 seconds behind the leaders, while Michael Matthews rounded out the top five. Tom Pidcock, the previous year’s champion, found himself among the chasing group, unable to replicate his winning performance from 2024.
The Amstel Gold Race is the only major one-day race in the Netherlands and attracts large crowds every year. This year's event was no different, with enthusiastic fans lining the course to witness the thrilling spectacle. Skjelmose's victory not only adds to his reputation as a rising star in cycling but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Looking forward, the next WorldTour race is the 89th La Flèche Wallonne, set to take place on April 23, 2025. Cyclists will be eager to see how the dynamics shift after such a dramatic finish at the Amstel Gold Race.
In conclusion, Mattias Skjelmose's victory at the Amstel Gold Race is a testament to his talent and determination, proving that in cycling, anything is possible. With the season still young, fans can expect more thrilling performances from this promising Danish rider.
