The Amstel Gold Race, 251 km from Maastricht to Valkenburg, the hard way. There appears to be no flat sections longer than ten meters. There are thirty-four mean little climbs to ruin the legs. We have moved on from the real Spring Classics. There is no rest in this VSP; The Ronde and Roubaix were amazing but we must continue. Legs that are smoked from those races are not lining up for Amstel. We are moving into Phil Gil territory. Regard the former winners from 2004 to 2008.
Obviously, having the right pot belge mix working for these climbs paid off back then, especially for Schumacher, not a rider who would have been an obvious pick for any race. I’m not implying Phil Gil is on the juice but I am implying this is a race for the powerhouse speed climbers, like him or Valverde. Again, not implying, just saying.
For those who wished to squander a pick on Gesink (I’m looking at you Strack), you have been saved. He is out. Maybe Laurens ten Dam, Velominati Rules reader will represent the home country and win it all, or not. Here is the start list. Veel succes!
The points from the Amstel Gold VSP count towards the overall prizes. So check the start list, review the VSP Scoring Guidelines and get your picks in by the time the countdown clock goes to zero at midnight PDT on Sunday the 20th. If you think we mapped one of your picks wrong, use the dispute system and we’ll review it. Also remember to be precise enough in your description so we know which rider you mean; in other words, if you enter “Martin”, we will use our discretion (read: wild guess) to decide if you mean Tony or Dan – and that choice will not be negotiable once the the countdown clock goes to zero, so be sure to give yourself enough time.
Don’t forget we’ve got three major prizes for the season-long VSP:
First place overall wins a Veloforma Strada iR Velominati Edition frame in addition to the customary VSP winner’s VVorkshop Apron
Second place overall wins a set of hand built CR Wheelworks Arenberg wheelset in a custom Velominati paint scheme laced to orange Chris King hubs. (CR Wheelworks is Café Roubaix’s new wheel goods brand.)
Third place is you’re fired or overall wins a full Velominati V-Kit with accompanying custom orange Bont Vaypor+ road shoes.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
@Steampunk the Tripels make it a trifecta! Florida is the Bomb I hope I never leave except for some great cogals. Tan lines look tatoo'd and I am almost fit enough to hang with the big huge gonzo group that does 50 km at 45 kph.
Hills on the other hand are distant memory, I am nervous about going back up to NY in July, Rule 5 will keep me honest...
Glad you see the end in sight, meetings are there to be ditched, no?
Here's an album of photos from today... I was right there on the Cauberg when Gilbert made his winning move, but at the time I was so excited to see Gerrans going for it that I was too busy yelling CARNSIMONGOYOUGOODTHING that I kind of missed the big moment.
I've seen some commentators making a thing of Gilbert big-ringing the last climb of the Cauberg. Looking through my shots from the day, I can see he was in the big dog for all three of the times I saw him go up, when most everyone else was in the little ring. He was ready.
Great day out, too. Top crowds; beautiful, quaint little town; they've a lot of love for cycling and are a great people, the Dutch!
@andrew
Stellar. That shot of Gerrans? Not a gram of excess on that character.
@andrew WOW! What a treat. What a blast you musta had today. When the group was flying down the hill I guess in to the town and the the last climb it's amazing to think that anyone could make a break. Flying! That must have been manic being there in person. Cheers!
@Gianni
My main Man! Probably has a blood bag hanging right now getting ready for Fleche!
@Rob
I postponed the meeting so I could get out for a short morning ride. Life will roll on. Weight is good; fitness will come...
Wow, My boy won today, I almost changed my top spot to kwaiatoski, but have lost faith in OMQS to bring it home, i couldn't do it. Great racing by BMC , good to Phillipe back to kicking ass, I see he is not afraid of a pint of beer either, disappointed in Gerrans beer drinking performance.
Dang, thought about picking Gilbert after the Flemish Arrow the other day.... What a hammerfest til the final climb! Kwiat panicked for sure and chased Sanchez, and that was the best of him. Lots of boys rocking that finale, but some predictable ones on the line for the placings. On to the Fleche Wallone!
@starclimber Nice pics!
@andrew Alright, still figuring out the way this site works; misplaced the compliment. Nice pics andrew!