- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
With the cobbled classics firmly behind them, now it is the Puncheur’s time to shine with the first of the three Ardennes classics. After being robbed of glory by Roman Kreuziger’s surprise breakaway victory last year, surely the favourites will not let it happen twice?
Join The Roar from 10:00pm AEST and follow all the action.
Thirty-four climbs await the peloton, with the Cauberg climbed no less than four times during the race, giving our hopefuls ample time to prepare for a tense finale. The 1500-metre long climb, averaging 5 per cent in gradient, has seen some of the finest cyclists come unstuck under pressure due to ill positioning or poor form.
However, with 1800 metres separating the summit of the Cauberg and the finishing line, any attacks over the Cauberg shall have to be fully committed. Any sign of indecision or an unwillingness to work after summit could easily see the peloton winch in any escapees.
Otherwise the 2014 Amstel Gold Race could be decided by a bunch sprint, should an escapee prove unable to repeat 2013’s heroics.
Similar to cup competitions in football, the one day classics care little for consistency, only who is the strongest or smartest on the day. However, form does give us an insight in to just who should be considered a favourite for the spoils.
With Alejandro Valverde arguably sitting pretty at the peak of that list thanks to his strong performances throughout the seasons so far.
Omega Pharma-Quick-Step’s Polish sensation Michal Kwiatkowski has also been having an impressive season to date, and finished just outside the podium positions during the 2013 Amstel Gold Race. Could he improve upon last year’s result and claim a step on the podium? I believe he has the potential, however, his team have several other options in reserve.
Two cyclists who could be unknown quantities going in to Amstel Gold Race are Simon Gerrans and Phillipe Gilbert. The Australian can be particularly dangerous when he sets out achieve a goal, however, his preparations for the race may have been adversely affected by earlier illness and misfortune.
Orica-GreenEDGE fortunately have a two cards to play should one of them fail, with Michael Matthews poised in the background ready to strike.
Meanwhile, Gilbert has been struggling to recover his world conquering form of 2011, however, he knows the parcours well and is coming off a victory, ahead of Michael Matthews, at De Brabantse Pijl. The victory could have come just at the right time for Gilbert, with his victory in the road race at the 2012 UCI Road World Championships coming shortly after a much needed victory in the 2012 Vuelta a Espana on Stage 19.
There are a number of outsiders who could steal the thunder of the favourites, with Damiano Cunego, Joaquim Rodriguez and Daniel Moreno, and Tom-Jelte Slagter leading the charge. With Ben Swift one to possibly watch out for should the race end with in a bunch sprint, after his form in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. Who could discount Roman Kreuziger from somehow defending his crown given the form he has been showing alongside Alberto Contador?
Join us on The Roar for what promises to be an enthralling 49th Amstel Gold Race.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.