The Amstel Gold Race 2025 captivated cycling fans as it unfolded through the picturesque hills of Zuid-Limburg on April 20, 2025. This year’s race saw Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek clinch a stunning victory, narrowly edging out world champion Tadej Pogacar in a thrilling sprint finish, while Remco Evenepoel of Soudal-Quick-Step secured a commendable third place despite a mid-race crash.
As the event kicked off, the atmosphere was electric, with fans lining the route to witness the spectacle. The race, which spans 256 kilometers and features a grueling 34 climbs, highlighted the challenges of the iconic Cauberg, a steep ascent that has become synonymous with the event.
In the closing kilometers, the tension mounted as Skjelmose, Pogacar, and Evenepoel found themselves together, battling for supremacy. With just 750 meters remaining, the trio surged towards the finish line, each rider pushing their limits. Evenepoel reflected on his performance, stating, "I was good, but I lost strength with the crash. I went over the top. My elbow was open," referring to his fall that occurred halfway through the race. "If that hadn’t happened, I might have come in alone. Maybe I was the strongest in the race, but we’ll never know. I did a lot of work to come back to Tadej. I thought I was the strongest of the three in the finale. Too bad about the crash." Evenepoel is already looking ahead to upcoming challenges, including the Waalse Pijl and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, expressing optimism about his form.
Pogacar, who finished second, shared his feelings post-race, saying, "I’m tired," with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "I gave it my all. Second is not so bad." He recounted the race's pivotal moments, particularly his attack when Julian Alaphilippe made his move. "I followed Alaphilippe, we shot up like rockets. The pursuers were strong, and I had to push hard, but in the end, it was just too long for me. I knew the two chasers would come back. When Remco went, it was perfect for me. But I didn’t have the legs." Despite the setback, Pogacar enjoyed the race's atmosphere, particularly on the Cauberg, stating, "The atmosphere was beautiful; I enjoyed it."
Skjelmose, visibly emotional after his victory, exclaimed, "I can’t believe I won!" He shared his thoughts during the chase with Evenepoel after catching Pogacar. "I told Remco I was done, that I was at my limit. I was aiming for the podium, which would have been a great result for me." In the final sprint, he edged out Pogacar, noting, "I thought I was going to cramp. Remco sprinted perfectly; I looked for the gap, the wind came from the left, Tadej went right. I don’t know what happened. I couldn’t believe I had won; I thought something was wrong." This victory holds significant emotional weight for Skjelmose, who dedicated it to his late grandfather, saying, "This means so much to me, and I’ve had so much bad luck this season. I lost my grandfather recently, and I wanted to give him a win. This is for him."
The race unfolded with a series of strategic moves as the riders navigated the challenging terrain. Early on, Pogacar established a lead, but Evenepoel and Skjelmose worked diligently to close the gap, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and determination. At one point, with 12 kilometers to go, the gap to Pogacar had shrunk to just 10 seconds as they climbed the Bemelerberg. The chase intensified as they approached the Cauberg for the penultimate time, with Evenepoel and Skjelmose gaining momentum.
As the race progressed, the drama unfolded with various attacks and counterattacks. With 40 kilometers remaining, Pogacar held a 30-second lead, but the relentless efforts of Evenepoel and Skjelmose began to pay off. By the time they reached the final kilometers, the tension was palpable, and the crowd erupted as the three riders approached the finish line.
In the women's race, Mischa Bredewold made headlines by winning the Amstel Gold Race, outperforming favorites like Ellen van Dijk and Puck Pieterse. Bredewold, who had previously faced challenges this season, expressed her joy, stating, "My only goal was to follow my heart. It’s very special that it all fell into place." She made her decisive move during the final climb of the Cauberg, leaving Van Dijk behind and securing her first victory in a cycling classic. Van Dijk finished second, while Pieterse claimed the bronze medal.
The women's race featured a strong group of contenders, with Bredewold, Van Dijk, and Pieterse leading the charge. As they approached the final stretch, Bredewold maintained her lead, showcasing her strength and determination. The competition was fierce, but Bredewold's strategic moves ultimately led her to victory.
Reflecting on the day's events, the Amstel Gold Race 2025 proved to be an exhilarating spectacle, filled with drama, emotion, and remarkable performances. As the riders crossed the finish line, it was clear that this year's race would be remembered for its thrilling moments and the resilience of its champions.
Looking ahead, both Skjelmose and Evenepoel are set to compete in the upcoming Waalse Pijl and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, while Pogacar will continue to defend his title as one of the sport's elite. Fans are left eagerly anticipating what these talented cyclists will bring to the next challenges in their season.
