In an unexpected turn of events, Mattias Skjelmose claimed victory at the 59th edition of the Amstel Gold Race on April 20, 2025, outpacing cycling giants Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel in a thrilling sprint finish. Skjelmose, riding for Lidl-Trek, secured the biggest win of his career, surprising many who anticipated a showdown between Pogacar and Evenepoel.
The race unfolded dramatically as Pogacar launched an attack over 40 kilometers from the finish line, appearing to set himself up for yet another solo victory. In the early stages, the UAE Team Emirates squad controlled the peloton effectively, maintaining a swift pace that left competitors struggling to keep up. Pogacar, the reigning world champion, seemed unstoppable as he isolated himself in front.
However, the dynamics shifted when Julian Alaphilippe made a bold move on the steep slopes of the Gulperberg, breaking away and forcing Pogacar to respond. Alaphilippe's acceleration shattered the peloton, with only Pogacar able to match his pace. But as the race progressed, the strain of the effort began to show on Pogacar.
After Alaphilippe's attack, Pogacar surged ahead again on the Kruisberg, five kilometers later, seemingly on his way to victory. Yet, the relentless Remco Evenepoel, who was competing in his first Amstel Gold Race, was not ready to concede. With 25 kilometers remaining, Evenepoel began his chase from a 35-second deficit, rapidly closing the gap on Skjelmose, who had also attempted to break away earlier.
As they approached the final stretch, the trio of Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Skjelmose found themselves together with just 8 kilometers to go. It was clear that the race would be decided in a sprint, and the tension was palpable as they entered the final climbs.
Evenepoel, fresh off his victory at the Flèche Brabançonne just days prior, was the first to launch his sprint with 200 meters to the finish line. However, the fatigue of the grueling race took its toll on all three riders. Pogacar, who had been in the lead for much of the race, attempted to overtake Evenepoel just 70 meters from the line but found himself unable to maintain the pace and had to ease back.
In a stunning display of speed and endurance, Skjelmose capitalized on the moment. With a burst of energy, he surged past both Pogacar and Evenepoel, crossing the finish line first and securing his place in cycling history at just 24 years old. The photo finish confirmed his victory, marking his first World Tour classic win.
After the race, Skjelmose expressed his disbelief at the outcome, stating, "I can't believe it. I was just hoping for a podium finish. I had a lot of bad luck this year, and I had to be really strong to get back to this level. I really wanted a win." His joy was palpable as he celebrated this significant milestone in his career.
Pogacar's performance, while still impressive, raised questions about his endurance after a demanding schedule. Having recently competed in Paris-Roubaix, he faced a challenging day on the bike, ultimately finishing second. Evenepoel, despite his earlier crash that left him with a bloody elbow, demonstrated remarkable resilience, finishing closely behind Pogacar.
The crash involving Evenepoel, Wout Van Aert, and Thibau Nys occurred about 100 kilometers from the finish, but fortunately, all three riders managed to recover quickly and rejoin the peloton, demonstrating the tenacity required in professional cycling.
The Amstel Gold Race continues to be a pivotal event in the cycling calendar, and this year's edition did not disappoint. With Skjelmose's victory, the stage is now set for the upcoming Flèche Wallonne, where he will look to build on this success.
As the dust settles on this thrilling race, fans are left buzzing about the potential for more surprises in the Ardennes classics. With Pogacar, Evenepoel, and now Skjelmose all capable of extraordinary performances, the competition remains fierce and unpredictable.
With the cycling season in full swing, the excitement is only just beginning. Who will rise to the occasion next? The cycling world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exhilarating saga.
