'He was the strongest' - Skjelmose concedes after Evenepoel wins Amstel Gold Race

The decisive move came on the Kruisberg, where Evenepoel and Skjelmose broke clear of the field and built a decisive gap. The pair remained out front all the way to the finish, setting up a two-rider sprint on the Cauberg.

The Lidl-Trek rider, who won the race a year earlier in a sprint against Evenepoel and Tadej Pogačar, found himself on the limit as the decisive sprint unfolded.

“He was the strongest,” Skjelmose said after the finish in the post race interview. “Last year I was lucky, but this year he beat me fair and square. I was on the limit, and that was all I had. I did my best. In the end, I’m satisfied with second place.”

Despite trying to control the sprint, the Dane explained his tactical approach.

“I was on the limit, so the sprint had to be as short as possible. But it was obvious he was better. I tried, but there was nothing I could do.”

The result also brought a sense of relief after a difficult spell earlier in the season. “It’s a bit of a relief,” Skjelmose added. “It’s been a tough period at the start of the year, so a second place is like rain on a really dry place.”

The result continues a strong record for Skjelmose in the Ardennes, even if his form leading into the race had been uncertain. He endured an off day during Itzulia Basque Country and was also slightly ill in the aftermath of the race.

Despite that, the 25-year-old Dane once again proved to be among the strongest riders in the Amstel Gold Race, a race he clearly relishes.

“These races are unique,” he said. “It’s the closest thing to a cobbled classic in terms of how technical and intense it is. You’re constantly focused, always reacting. Mentally it takes a lot out of you, but that’s also what makes it special.”

Given his affinity with the race, Skjelmose made clear he intends to return. “It’s one of my favourite races on the calendar. I’ve won it, I’ve been second, so of course I want to come back and try again.”