The Amstel Gold Race usually comes down to a sprint of an elite group, although Tadej Pogacar opted for a different scenario last year. The Slovene droped his last rivals Ben Healy and Tom Pidcock on Keuterberg, a steep climb with 30 kilometres remaining, and soloed to victory.
Pogacar will not implement this scenario again, simply because he is not competing this time. The only former winners at the start are Michal Kwiatkowski (2022, 2015) and Mathieu van der Poel (2019). We all remember the latter victory, possibly the most astonishing comeback in recent cycling history.
This year’s route is a carbon copy of last year’s. So, the route takes in a number of loops through the hilly Limburg region in the south of the Netherlands, zigzagging from one short and sharp climb to the next. Loorberg, Cauberg, Geulhemmerberg and Bemelerberg make a double appearance. Check for details the hills in underneath slideshow.
The steepest ramps in the Amstel Gold Race appear inside the last 55 kilometres. The Gulperbergweg, Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg and Fromberg are tackled wihin 12 kilometres. Albeit short, these climbs are brutal. And yes, the double digit ramps are going to hurt after more than 200 kilometres in the saddle. Especially since the Keuterberg – or, Pogacar’s launch pad – comes next with its 22% section. And on they go to the drag up the Cauberg.
Following the last passage over the Cauberg the riders cross the line for the final lap of 16 kilometres. Just after cresting the Geulhemmerberg – 1 kilometre at 5% – the riders take a right-hand turn and race on narrow roads to the foot of the Bemelerberg. The last climb of the day is 900 metres at 4.5%. Shortly, the riders take a left-hander onto the alley-like Franse Steeg (Dutch for French alley) and after moving through Terblijt the route re-enters the wide road to the finish line in Berg & Terblijt.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX Amstel Gold Race 2024.
Other interesting reads: results and start list 2024 Amstel Gold Race.
Amstel Gold Race 2024: route, profiles, more
Click on the images to zoom
