Cycling: With a total distance of 258 km and 33 climbs, the fourth spring classic of 2015, the Amstel Gold Race, presented some challenges for the riders.
Linus Gerdemann in the leading group
A leading group of six drivers dominated the race at times. Among them the German Linus Gerdemann, who presented himself well here at the Amstel Gold Race. Along with Gerdemann in the front group of drivers were: Laurens De Vreese (Astana), Timo Roosen (LottoNL-Jumbo), Jan Polanc (Lampre), Mike Terpstra (Team Roompot) and Johann Van Van Zyl (MTN-Qhubeka).
At some point the break came, the group split up, three riders remained with Gerdemann, De Vreese and Polance. But for a long time at the top, the drivers could no longer hold their own, the air was getting thinner and thinner for them. Several drivers broke away from the main field, Simon Clarke and David Tanner managed to catch up to the front.
pursuers on the trail
The group at the front broke up, and some of the pursuers were able to catch up. In addition to Clarke and Tanner, Tony Martin and Vincenzo Nibali also made their way. Gerdemann, who had done a lot of pace work on the breakaways, fell behind with 34km to go. At Keutenberg, Polanc and De Vreese also let go – Clarke and Tanner's pace is simply too high. The two pursuers are alone in the lead with a lead of just 17 seconds over Nibali, Martin and Damiano Caruso. At this point, the leading group is still 55 seconds ahead of the peloton. Various changes at the front of the race follow, while the peleton pushes the pace on the tube.
Tony Martin one of three at the top
In addition to Nibali and Clarke, Tony Martin was also in the newly formed leading group as the race progressed. However, German time trial specialist and last year's Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali had to let Simon Clarke go, who initially made his way across the finish line alone. With 10km to go, he was 11 seconds ahead of the peleton. But all drivers and spectators knew: He will not be able to stay in the lead until the end and behind him the fight for positions for the upcoming finale has already begun.
Battle for the best position - a Pole makes history
Three kilometers before the finish, the Cauberg is a battle to get the best positioning for the finish line. Michael Matthews, last year's winner Gilbert and Valverde are in the lead after the Flame Rouge. But it wasn't enough to win, someone else proved to have a cool head and the longest breath in the sprint: Michał Kwiatkowski. The road world champion of 2014 is also writing cycling history, he is the first Pole ever to win the Amstel Gold Race.
At the same time, it is his first victory in the jersey of the world champion. Second place goes to Alejandro Valverde, third place goes to Michael Matthews. The 2 Amstel Gold Race winner, Philippe Gilbert, did not allow himself to be put under pressure in the run-up, but rather went into the race relaxed. In the end, however, the free head wasn't enough for victory - Gilbert ended up tenth.
Result – Amstel Gold Race 2015
[easy table th=“0″]1., Michal Kwiatkowski, Etixx Quick Step, 6:31:45
2th,Alejandro Valverde,Movistar,
3.,Michael Matthews,Orica GreenEdge,
4.,Rui Costa,Lampre-Merida,
5th, Tony Gallopin, Lotto Soudal,
6.,Greg Van Avermaet,BMC,
7. Julian Alaphilippe Etixx Quick Step
8th, Enrico Gasparotto, Wanty – Groupe Gobert,
9.,Maciej Paterski,CCC Sprandi,
10.,Philippe Gilbert,BMC,
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