The race kicks off at the Vrijthof in Maastricht before a hilly detour of 73.1 kilometres leads the women through the hilly Limburg region in the south of the Netherlands. Following climbs up the Slingerberg, Adsteeg, Lange Raarberg, Bergseweg, Zwartebrugweg, Plettenberg, Eyserbosweg, Fromberg and Keutenberg, the women tackle the famous Cauberg for the first time. It is the most revered hill of the Netherlands, which climbs for 800 metres at 6.5% and its steepest section is 12.8%. The climb is included four times in the Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition.
1.6 kilometres after the Cauberg the riders first pass the finish line and the circuit begins. Three laps of 17.9 kilometres and three times the Geulhemmerberg/Bemelerberg/Cauberg combo.
The Geulhemmerberg is 1 kilometre at 5% and with its steepest sector at 8%. The route continues back to Maastricht, but without entering the city and heading back to the hills instead. The riders hit the Bemelerberg, which is a winding 900 metres climb at 5%. A false flat and an ensuing drop take them to the foot of the Cauberg. The steepest ramp is 300 metres up the hill, which is a perfect place to strike. As said, the finish line is 1.6 kilometres after the top of Cauberg.
The last time up the Cauberg proved to be decisive in last two editions. In 2017 Anna van der Breggen jumped clear and soloed to victory, while Chantal Blaak, Lucinda Brand and Amanda Spratt were the first riders over the top. They pushed on together before Blaak sprinted to victory.
Other interesting reads: results and start list Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2019.
Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2019: route, profiel, meer
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