The outcome of the Amstel Gold Race is anything but certain. There have been nine different winners in the last nine editions. And this is despite the fact that Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock have started the race several times. Last year, Pogačar went solo but was caught by Remco Evenepoel, who brought Mattias Skjelmose on his rear wheel. The Dane surprised the two favourites in the final sprint and won the race.
These are the favourites
Remco Evenepoel is the top favourite. He has the ideal combination of explosiveness and time trial strength and can decide the race on his own with a late attack. Behind him, Mattias Skjelmose is one of the hottest candidates. He is very complete, knows the race well and can both attack and sprint from a small group. As the defending champion, the Dane must be kept in mind, especially when all eyes are on the top favourite Evenepoel. Ben Healy should also be rated highly, as his aggressive riding style can be particularly dangerous in an open, bumpy race.
In the second row are Matteo Jorgenson and Tim Wellens. They have the level to win, but need a favourable race scenario, such as a strong group or the right timing in the final. While Jorgenson has performed consistently well this season, Tim Wellens has had to recover after breaking his collarbone at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. The Belgian's form at the start is therefore questionable.
But Jorgenson's team-mate, Christophe Laporte, also showed his class in the last five classics he rode. The 33-year-old finished in the top ten in all five of these races, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Team Visma | Lease a Bike could therefore also rely on a double lead-out with Laporte and Jorgenson and assign the captain's role depending on how the race goes.
As outsiders, you should keep an eye on names like Bauke Mollema, Quinn Simmons and Georg Zimmermann. The race is once again very open, especially because some of the big stars like Tadej Pogačar are missing.
Leon Weidner
Working student
