By climbing the other side of the Gulperberg, race director Leo van Vliet hopes to open the final of the Amstel Gold Race even earlier on Sunday. “You have to be well positioned.”
Van Vliet told in the L1 program EveningGuests Sports also about the corona measures that still apply during the cycling classic.
face masks
Because despite the fact that there are no more corona measures in the Netherlands, there are still a number of measures in the South Limburg Heuvelland on Sunday. “There are still UCI rules. For example, we have to walk with mouth caps in the vicinity of the riders. No people are allowed to come to the buses in Maastricht and we don’t want a whole crowd around the winner after the finish.”
Public
Van Vliet is happy that for the first time since 2019 the public can again be present at the Amstel Gold Race. The Amstel Gold Race was canceled in 2020 and a modified edition was held without an audience last year. “It looks like a tour in the Alps,” says Van Vliet when he looks back at the images from 2021. Tom Dumoulin is also happy that spectators can be present at cycling again. “I have noticed in the past two years as a rider that the public really adds something to the race. It makes me happy when there is an audience”
Gulperberg
And that audience will be on a new part of the course on Sunday. Van Vliet has decided to drive after the ascent of the Loorberg via the descent of the King of Spain to the other side of the Gulperberg. As a result, the riders then ride on small, narrow roads towards the Kruisberg. “You have to be well positioned from the Loorberg. If it is pulled on a ribbon there and you are in 50th position, then you have a problem,” says Van Vliet about the course change.
Live
The Amstel Gold Race can be followed extensively at L1 this weekend. On Saturday there will be a preview on L1 Television from 6.30 pm and on Sunday the race can be followed on L1 Television and L1 Radio.