For many years, the Cauberg was the final climb in the Amstel Gold Race, but as a result, all action was often halted until the final climb. However, since cycling has become much more dynamic since 2016, with riders attacking early, the organisers are now daring to reposition the Cauberg late in the finale. Let’s see what that brings.
The essence of the race remains unchanged. It’s still a gruelling contest with a dizzying number of climbs on the narrow roads of the hilly Zuid-Limburg region in the southern Netherlands. It’s all about turning, twisting, and, as a result, positioning.
After the start in Maastricht, the peloton heads north out of the city. Just 12 kilometres in, the first little climb, the Maasberg, appears – setting the tone for the day. Throughout the race, the riders zigzag through the region, hopping from one short uphill kicker to the next.
The steepest climbs of the day appear in the run-up to the finale. Starting around 50 kilometres from the finish, the riders tackle the Gulperberg, Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg, and Fromberg within 11 kilometres. Not long after, the Keuterberg ramps up with a savage section at 22%. Another 10 kilometres down the road, the Cauberg adds 800 metres at 6.5%, with its steepest ramp hitting 12.8%.
The final lap measures 19.8 kilometres. After passing the finish line, the riders head for the Geulhemmerberg, a 1-kilometre climb at 5%, before navigating the narrow Kuitenbergweg to the Bemelerberg – 900 metres at 4.5%. From there, it’s over a twisting, narrow road towards the last ascent of the Cauberg.
It’s 2.5 flat kilometres from the top of the Cauberg to the line.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX 2025 Amstel Gold Race.
The Amstel Gold Race starts at 10:40 and the race is expected to finish around 17:00 – both local times (CET). For details, check the timings in the slideshow below this article.
Amstel Gold Race 2025: route, profiles, video
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