The 251 km long Dutch one-day classic, Amstel Gold Race, saw seven riders shape the early break. They wereTim De Troyer (Accent Jobs-Wanty), Alexandre Pliuschin (IAM), Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel), Arthur Van Overberghe (Topsport Vlaanderen), Nicolas Vogondy (Accent Jobs), Klaas Sys (Crelan-Euphony) and Johan Vansummeren (Garmin-Sharp).
Halfway through, there was a major crash in the front of the field, where Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Rory Sutherland was involved. It held back favorite, world champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC), but they reached the field again after 10 kilometers of chasing. Approximately 25 riders tried to take advantage of the situation by increasing the pace. Groups behind the break were soon reassembled and towards Valkenburg Katusha and Movistar pushed an ever increasing pace.
Johan Vansummeren (Garmin-Sharp) tried to get away from the group, and he was joined by Alexandre Pliuschin (IAM) and Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel). Astorloza broke from the group, and with 44 kilometers to the finish, he had a lead of 2.30 minutes on the chasing peloton.
At first ascent of the Cauberg, Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Roman Kreuziger attacked and he closed the gap to a small group behind the leading rider Asterloza (Euskaltel). It was soon picked up by Kreuziger’s group of riders. With seven kilometers to go it was Kreuziger’s group.
Philippe Gilbert (BMC) attempted a strong attack, but could not catch Kreuziger who rode alone to the finish line as winner of the Amstel Gold Race the 2013th.
“We had two captains in Today, Nicki Sørensen and me, and with Karsten Kroon as GPS, we had a very good starting point for success. The whole team worked great out there, and I was perfectly prepared for the finals, and I felt strong throughout the race. On the last climb of Cauberg… I just did not think anything other than that I just had to go to the finish line before anyone else. I’m really happy for the victory, and the whole team has obviously part of it, “said a thrilled Roman Kreuziger after the stunning victory.
