The 2026 Amstel Gold Race is shaping up to be a highly unpredictable one-day cycling event. With top contenders like Tadej Pogačar and Wout van Aert absent, Remco Evenepoel is poised to compete in the Dutch hills, seeking to avenge his previous defeat against defending champion Mattias Skjelmose.
In other cycling news, Tim Merlier dominated the sprints at the Tour of Limburg with a commanding performance. The early stages of O Gran Camiño have revealed some unexpected names in the general classification. Additionally, a poll indicates that 80% of PEZ readers believe Tadej Pogačar will eventually win the Paris-Roubaix. The article also discusses the impact of the new course on the Eschborn-Frankfurt classic and provides an update on tariff refunds for the bicycle industry.
Amstel Gold Race 2026: Remco’s Revenge Against Skjelmose
While Remco Evenepoel often loses one-day races to Tadej Pogačar, his defeat at the 2025 Amstel Gold Race also involved Mattias Skjelmose. Evenepoel helped chase down Pogačar, but Skjelmose secured a narrow victory. The Amstel Gold Race is notoriously difficult to predict, with past winners showcasing a diverse range of strengths, from punchers and rouleurs to all-rounders and even pure sprinters.
With Pogačar, Wout van Aert, and Mathieu van der Poel not on the start list, Evenepoel is a strong favorite. His main rivals include former winner Skjelmose, Visma’s Laporte and Jorgenson, Ben Healy, and Romain Grégoire. Dark horse contenders include Ion Izagirre, Tim van Dijke, and Tim Wellens.
Reader Poll: Pogačar’s Inevitable Paris-Roubaix Victory
A significant majority of PEZ readers, approximately 80%, believe that Tadej Pogačar will eventually win the Paris-Roubaix. Many feel it’s only a matter of time, with nearly 20% predicting a victory next year. Pogačar has come close in previous attempts, and with his main rivals aging, the new generation of talent appears to favor climbers over strongmen suitable for this brutal race.
Merlier’s Dominance at the Tour of Limburg
Tim Merlier has solidified his position as the premier sprinter in Flemish cycling by winning the Tour of Limburg for the second time. Entering the race as the favorite, Merlier executed a powerful long-range sprint to secure victory. The race saw an early breakaway by 19-year-old Albert Withen Philipsen, who was eventually caught by the peloton. Despite late attacks, Merlier’s acceleration in the final 300 meters proved unstoppable, leaving Fernando Gaviria and Floris Van Tricht to battle for the minor podium places.
O Gran Camiño: Surprise Leaders and Local Victories
The O Gran Camiño race has delivered compelling action, with Julius Johansen of UAE Team Emirates-XRG taking an early lead after winning the opening time trial. However, on stage two, local rider Carlos Canal of Movistar Team secured an emotional home victory after a solo attack. Rafael Reis of Anicolor/Campicarn has taken over the overall lead, demonstrating consistency. The race remains open as it heads into the hilly stages, highlighting its role as a platform for emerging talent.
Eschborn-Frankfurt 2026: A More Demanding Classic
The 2026 Eschborn-Frankfurt race is set to be the most challenging in recent history, with an expanded field of 21 teams, including 16 WorldTour squads. The 211.4 km course features over 3,300 meters of climbing, including two ascents of the Feldberg and a revised Taunus section, designed to favor strong all-rounders over pure sprinters. The start list reflects this, with riders like Julian Alaphilippe, Marc Hirschi, and Søren Kragh Andersen expected to contend. The new course and competitive field promise an aggressive and unpredictable race.
Bike Industry: New Process for Tariff Refund Claims
An important update for those in the bike industry: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is introducing a new automated system, CAPE, for processing tariff refund requests starting April 20, 2026. Importers can claim refunds on certain unliquidated entries and those liquidated within the last 80 days. While this new system streamlines the process, it’s advised to explore all legal options and file protests to ensure full recovery of paid tariffs before the February 2027 deadline.