Remco Evenepoel will be at the start of Netherlands’ most important race for the first time in his career.
The iconic Cauberg returns as the last climb of Amstel Gold Race for the first time in more than a decade at this year’s edition, the peloton tackling it just two kilometers from the finish of Netherlands’ only World Tour Race. The 255.9km course – known for its narrow roads and steep climbs – includes a total of three ascents of the legendary hill, but also some other important obstacles, such as the Geulhemmeberg, and Bemelerberg, before the final showdown on the roads to Valkenburg, where the 2012 World Championships concluded.
Soudal Quick-Step, who has triumphed in Amstel Gold Race on two occasions, will be at the start of this 59th edition with a strong team led by Remco Evenepoel, who on Friday won his first race of the season, Brabantse Pijl, after a remarkable display. The 25-year-old double Olympic Champion will be joined by Pascal Eenkhoorn, Pepijn Reinderink, Itzulia Basque Country third-place finisher Maximilian Schachmann, Ilan Van Wilder, Mauri Vansevenant and Louis Vervaeke.
“It’s time for the Ardennes Classics and we are going to the start of Amstel with a young but motivated team. Remco showed that his form is back and that gives us all a lot of confidence for Sunday. We have good riders who can support him, and the fact that Pascal – who knows the roads – is here, is a great bonus for us. We’ll try to be present in the big moments of the race, show the Wolfpack spirit and fight for a good result, which we hope to get at the end of the day”, said Soudal Quick-Step sports director Klaas Lodewyck.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
