Tadej Pogačar wins maiden Amstel Gold Race title 

Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar turned in a spectacular solo effort to race to victory at the Amstel Gold Race, one of road cycling's classics, in the Netherlands on Sunday (16 April).

The Olympic bronze medallist’s class was on full display, racing among a leading group of 15 riders with 90 kilometres to go before his solo effort.

Pogačar rode solo at the head of the race with 29km to go leaving Ben Healy and Tom Pidcock in his wake, crossing the finish in a time of 06:02.02. Healy followed in second place, 38 seconds adrift, with Pidcock claiming third place on the podium.

The decision to launch his attack on Keutenberg, Pogačar said, was informed by advice he received from Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel earlier in the week. 

“Three days ago, Van der Poel sent me a message to tell me to attack in the Keutenberg. It’s the hardest climb and it suits me well. I will thank him for the advice," Pogačar said.

Demonstrating his imperious form, Pogačar initially lost touch with Healy and Pidcock due to a bike change at the foot of Kruisberg. Pogačar revealed afterwards that he had suffered a 'sort of flat tire' which resulted in the bike change. 

“It’s unbelievable. I did not expect that we are going to break away so early," Pogačar said. "I was on sort of a flat tyre for many kilometres at the front. I was doubting that I could get to the finish solo. In the end, I squeezed as much as possible to come to the finish line."

The 24-year-old Pogačar is enjoying a rich vein of form, adding the Amstel Gold Race title to his victory at the Tour of Flanders two weeks ago.

Vollering graduates to top of the podium

In the women’s race, local hero Demi Vollering finally got her hands on the prized title after finishing runner-up in 2021 and 2022.

The 26-year-old Dutch rider finished eight seconds ahead of her SD Worx team-mate, Lotte Kopecky, to claim her third major one-day victory of the season, adding to her wins in Strade Bianche and Tour of Flanders. Vollering shared the podium with fellow Dutch rider Shirin van Anrooij, who finished third.

2023 Amstel Gold results

Men's result (253.6km)

1. Tadej Pogacar, (SLO), UAE Team Emirates – 06:02.02
2. Ben Healy (IRE), EF Education-EasyPost – +00.38s
3. Tom Pidcock (GBR), Ineos Grenadiers – +02:14
4. Andreas Kron (DEN), Lotto Dstny – +02:14
5. Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ), Astana Qazaqstan Team – +02:14

Women's result (155.8 km)

1. Demi Vollering (NED), SD Worx – 04:06:54
2. Lotte Kopecky (BEL), Team SD Worx – +00.08s
3. Shirin van Anrooij (NED), Trek-Segafredo – +00.08s
4. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (POL), CANYON//SRAM Racing – +00.08s
5. Soraya Paladin (ITA), CANYON//SRAM Racing – +00.08s