Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands) Though not a Monument, the Amstel Gold Race is the crown of the Dutch cycling calendar and a pivotal Ardennes classic. First held in 1966, it covers 250+ kilometers through Limburg’s rolling hills, featuring over 30 short, sharp climbs—including the Cauberg, once its decisive ramp. While recent route changes reduced the Cauberg’s impact, the race remains a tactical minefield of accelerations and counterattacks. Winners like Philippe Gilbert and Michal Kwiatkowski mastered its rhythm of repeated surges. Unique among classics, it’s run entirely within one country yet draws global stars. Lively crowds, orange-clad fans, and narrow village roads amplify the tension. The Amstel Gold Race may lack cobblestones or Alps, but its relentless undulation and strategic depth make it a true test of a modern all-rounder’s mettle.
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