In a stunning display of endurance and strategy, Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek claimed victory at the Amstel Gold Race on April 20, 2025, out-sprinting world champion Tadej Pogačar and Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel in a thrilling finale. The 256km race, known for its challenging climbs and technical routes, saw Skjelmose rise to the occasion, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The race unfolded with an early breakaway of eight riders, who managed to establish a lead of up to five minutes. However, the UAE Team Emirates - XRG, led by Pogačar, took their role as favorites seriously, ensuring the gap remained manageable. As the race progressed, the tension mounted, particularly after a crash involving Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, and Thibau Nys, which briefly threatened their chances. Fortunately, all three recovered quickly and rejoined the peloton.
With 85 kilometers to go, the first passage of the Cauberg saw the breakaway’s advantage dwindle, and Jelle Johannink of Unibet Tietema Rockets accelerated, taking Rémi Cavagna, Michel Hessmann, and Cedric Beullens with him. However, their bid for glory ended with 69 kilometers left as Pogačar’s team took control.
At around 42 kilometers remaining, Pogačar marked a significant move by Julian Alaphilippe on the Gulperberg climb. After dropping the former world champion, he opened a gap of over half a minute, showcasing his confidence. However, this aggressive strategy would soon be tested as Skjelmose and Evenepoel began their pursuit.
Skjelmose launched his attack on the Keutenberg with 25.5 kilometers to go, but Pogačar still held a 28-second lead at the bottom of the Cauberg. As the duo closed the gap, it became a race against time. By the time they reached the finish line, Pogačar's lead had shrunk to just 13 seconds, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
As the trio turned onto the final climb of the Cauberg with 2.6 kilometers to go, the atmosphere was electric. Evenepoel led the way, but Pogačar made his move, overtaking the Belgian as they approached the final kilometer. Yet, in a dramatic twist, Skjelmose, who had been quietly conserving energy, surged past both champions just before the line, clinching a remarkable victory.
"I really don’t believe it," Skjelmose exclaimed after crossing the finish line. "I was telling Remco all the time that I was f**ked and please pull the climbs, I’m on the limit. Already a podium would be a really big result for me. I tried to keep the group going so they didn’t come back behind. Of course, I sprinted for the best result but I thought I was going to cramp or see them going on the horizon." His astonishment reflected the magnitude of his win, especially against such formidable opponents.
Pogačar, while fatigued, had been expected to dominate the sprint due to his reputation as a fast finisher. However, he admitted that perhaps he underestimated his rivals, stating, "I thought I had it, but they were strong in the end. I’ll have to analyze what went wrong. It was close, but I should have been more aware of what was happening behind me." This defeat may serve as a wake-up call for the world champion as he prepares for the upcoming Ardennes Classics.
Evenepoel, despite finishing third, expressed satisfaction with his performance. "I gave it my all, and I felt good leading up to the final stretch. It’s a tough race, and I’m pleased with how I handled the climbs. I’ll take this experience forward into my next races," he remarked, indicating his focus on future competitions.
The Amstel Gold Race, a key event in the cycling calendar, has seen its format evolve over the years. The return of the Cauberg in the final stretch, reminiscent of the race's earlier years, has rekindled excitement among fans and competitors alike. This year’s edition certainly lived up to expectations, with a blend of strategy, endurance, and thrilling finishes.
As the cycling world reflects on this dramatic race, Skjelmose's victory is not just a personal triumph; it symbolizes the unpredictable nature of the sport. With two more Ardennes Classics on the horizon, the competition is expected to intensify, and Skjelmose's win will undoubtedly fuel his confidence as he faces off against Pogačar and Evenepoel again.
In conclusion, Mattias Skjelmose's win at the Amstel Gold Race has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. As he dedicates this victory to his late grandfather, who passed away just over a month ago, the emotional weight of his achievement resonates deeply. "This is for him," Skjelmose said, underscoring the personal significance of his triumph. Cycling fans can look forward to more thrilling races as the season progresses, with Skjelmose now firmly established as a contender among the elite.
