The Amstel Gold CycloSportif, one of the largest cycling events associated with a European Classic, is set to take place in Valkenburg, Holland, after its cancellation last year due to COVID-19. In 2007, PEZ had the opportunity to participate in this massive event, which attracted over 18,000 cyclists, making for a memorable day.
This trip to the Ardennes Classics was a long-awaited chance for PEZ to experience the racing and riding that characterizes the latter half of the Spring Monuments. Having previously attended Roubaix and Flanders, PEZ was eager to add the Amstel Gold, Flèche-Wallone, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège to their list of witnessed races.
With travel plans approved by Mrs. Pez, the journey began. The travel arrangements, facilitated by Velo Classic Tours, included accommodation in the picturesque Dutch town of Maastricht. Maastricht served as an ideal base for exploring the region’s cycling routes and was conveniently located just a few kilometers from the Amstel Gold start and finish in Valkenburg. The town itself is vibrant, clean, and filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and stylish locals.
The Amstel Gold Race circuit winds through the hilly Limburg region, passing through Valkenburg and ascending the final climb of the Cauberg three times. The routes are color-coded to aid navigation for the many participants.
At 9 AM, PEZ and companions set out to join the CycloSportif ride. While an official start in Valkenburg was available, they opted to join the event in progress a few kilometers into the route.
The scale of the event was immediately apparent, with an endless stream of cyclists already on the course. PEZ described it as a “sight to behold” and a situation requiring “wisely chosen extra caution.”
Joining the heavy flow of riders felt like entering a massive traffic jam of bicycles. The narrow roads were filled with cyclists, creating a unique and somewhat overwhelming experience.
Approximately an hour into the 150km route, the first traffic stoppage occurred, which also served as the initial feed stop. The popularity of the ride was evident as hundreds of cyclists queued for refreshments, including bars, drinks, cakes, and pre-packaged waffles.
The event attracted a diverse range of participants, from fast riders to slower ones, and a mix of road bikes, mountain bikes, and other types of bicycles. The author likened it to a scene from a Dr. Seuss story.
A notable aspect of the Amstel Gold Cyclo ride was the apparent lack of complete road closures to vehicle traffic. There were instances where cyclists narrowly avoided collisions with cars, leading to concerns about the behavior of some drivers.
Despite these challenges, the group eventually found their rhythm, and the initial jitters subsided. The focus shifted to appreciating the stunning Dutch countryside, characterized by rolling hills, green pastures, picturesque villages, and remnants of World War II bunkers.
The route itself offered a blend of beautiful Dutch scenery, the iconic climbs (“bergs”) that define the race, and some less scenic sections used to connect these hills.
Participants could choose from six routes, ranging from 60km to a full 250km. PEZ opted for the 150km course.
The “come one, come all” nature of the event meant constant company on the road, offering opportunities to meet new people, including fellow enthusiasts from Spain.
Riding the climbs that are central to the Amstel Gold Race was a highlight for PEZ. The course featured 31 climbs on the official route, with approximately 13 tackled during the 150km ride.
Individually, the climbs were generally not excessively difficult, with most being around 1 kilometer or less in length. Some, like the Keutenberg, featured steep sections reaching close to 20% gradient.
Upon reaching the finish on the Cauberg, a significant crowd had gathered, leading to a lengthy queue for participants to pass through the official timing gate and collect their prizes. PEZ and Pete Easton of VCT decided to bypass the queue and head for a celebratory beer at a nearby pub at the base of the Cauberg.
The experience included unique sights like a pedal-powered rolling beer dispenser in Maastricht.