Amstel Gold Race
The Amstel Gold Race is a UCI WorldTour one-day race held in the Limburg region of the Netherlands. Part of the prestigious Ardennes Classics week, the race is characterised by the rolling hills and short, punchy climbs of the Dutch countryside. First held in 1966, it is the youngest of the Spring Classics.
When was the first edition of the Amstel Gold Race?
The first edition of the Amstel Gold Race was held in 1966, with Frenchman Jean Stablinski winning the inaugural title.
How did the Amstel Gold Race come into existence?
The race was established in 1966 and draws its name from Amstel, the Dutch brewing company that has served as title sponsor from the very beginning. Conceived as a major classic for the Netherlands, it has grown to anchor the opening leg of the Ardennes Classics week, preceding La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Who has won the Amstel Gold Race the most times?
Dutchman Jan Raas stands alone at the top of the all-time winners list with five victories, four of which came in consecutive years in the late 1970s. Belgian Philippe Gilbert is second on the list with four wins across 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2017. The 2026 edition is the 60th running of the race.
All winners can be found here.
What makes the Amstel Gold Race unique?
Unlike the cobbled Flemish classics or the mountain-top finishes of the Grand Tours, the Amstel Gold Race is defined by the hilly Limburg countryside, where dozens of short, rolling climbs accumulate over more than 250 kilometres of racing. The relentless nature of the terrain rewards riders who can repeatedly attack and recover, making it one of the most tactically demanding one-day races of the season.
Where is the Amstel Gold Race held?
The race is held in Limburg province in the southern Netherlands, traditionally starting in Maastricht and finishing near the summit of the Cauberg.
Who won the most recent edition?
Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek claimed the 2025 title, outsprinting Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel in a dramatic finish to secure one of the standout results of his career. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 19 April 2026.
