THE CONTENDERS
DEMI VOLLERING SD WORX
Second last year, Vollering is on a steep learning curve to take Anna van der Breggen’s place at the top of the sport. A climber with a healthy dose of explosiveness, she finished second last year and can win either from a small group or by attacking on the Cauberg. CW rating ★★★★★
ELISE CHABBEY CANYONSRAM
Chabbey might be regarded as a dark horse by many, but the former Swiss champion has been on the rise since joining Canyonsram last year. A punchy and always aggressive rider, she deals well with the climbs, and recently finished third in a bunch kick at Dwars door Vlaanderen, attributes that could serve her well.
CW rating ★★
FLOORTJE MACKAIJ DSM
With a sprinter of the calibre of Lorena Wiebes featuring in DSM’S Classics team, it’s been easy to lose sight of how good Floortje Mackaij is. Versatile and aggressive, the 26-year-old has featured heavily in this year’s Classics, and with the team working for her, is due a big result.
CW rating ★★★
MATHIEU VAN DER POEL ALPECIN-FENIX
He’s back, and his back is seemingly no longer an issue. Having wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Flanders last weekend, there is zero reason why the Dutchman can’t win again.
CW rating ★★★★★
VALENTIN MADOUAS GROUPAMA-FDJ
Known more for his climbing than his cobbled Classics prowess, Valentin Madouas has had a spectacular Spring Classics season with a top 10 at E3 and a stunning third at last week’s Tour of Flanders. His climbing and new-found explosiveness makes Amstel Gold almost perfect for the Frenchman. CW rating ★★★★
CHRISTOPHE LAPORTE JUMBO-VISMA
While Christophe Laporte has never ridden Amstel Gold, he is slated to compete in what is a local race for his Jumbo-visma squad.
A stunning early season saw him win a stage at Paris-nice and place ninth at Flanders despite a crash.
CW rating ★★
MATEJ MOHORIČ BAHRAIN VICTORIOUS
The last couple of seasons have seen Slovenian Mohorič blossom, his Milansan Remo victory marking him his arrival as a real contender. He might miss any late descending, but has the tactical and physical nous to go well.
CW rating ★★