Amstel Gold Race returns

Alejandro Valverde heads to Limburg to take part this Sunday in the Amstel Gold Race, the great cycling race in the Netherlands and one of the many that fell off the international calendar last year, in this case due to the strict sanitary regulations imposed by the country. Some measures are still partially maintained, which have forced the organizers to propose a competition that takes place in a closed circuit to the public.

The riders will complete twelve laps of a route of almost 17 km with the climbs to Geulhemmerberg, Bemelerberg and the legendary Cauberg. However, in the final lap this last climb will not be ascent, leading to a more tactical finish.

Valverde faces his fourteenth participation in the only race of the Ardennes triptych that resists him, which does not mean that he has not been protagonist in several of its editions. The Murcian finished second in 2013 and 2015 and completed the podium with a third place in 2008. In addition, he also keeps the memory of the bronze medal of the Valkenburg 2012 Worlds, on a very similar route, also marked by the Cauberg.

Movistar will start the Amstel Gold Race with a quality seven made up of Alejandro Valverde, Iván García Cortina, Gonzalo Serrano, Carlos Verona, Lluís Mas, Johan Jacobs and Jorge Arcas.

Photo: Movistar Team / Photo Gómez Sport