Our preview of the 44th edition of the Amstel Gold Race which kicks off the Ardennes Classics on 18 April.
Preview of the 44th edition
Now in its 44th year, the Amstel Gold Race remains the highest-profile event on the Dutch cycling calendar and kicks off the Ardennes Classics on Sunday with La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège both following in the space of a week.
It's certainly not a race for the faint-hearted and over the years has earned a reputation as one of the toughest and most dangerous in the sport due to its unrelenting hills and tight, obstacle-laden roads.
The route gets underway in the main square in Maastricht and over 257.3km winds its way around the Limberg region of southern Holland before ending at the top of the Cauberg hill just above Valkenberg. In between, 30 equally short, sharp climbs look sure to make for a testing day in the saddle, with the penultimate ascent up the Keutenberg undoubtedly the most challenging of the lot.
Although the hill peaks at just 136m, its 700m face has an average gradient of 9.4% with certain sections ramping up to a gut-busting 20%. The fact that the Keutenberg comes just 12.3km from the finish line also means any attacks on here could prove pivotal in the battle for victory.
Aside from the action, the race is also renowned for its party atmosphere and every year tens of thousands of fans line the route, screaming the riders on while making the most of the numerous hospitality tents on offer.
Four of the seven Team Sky riders that took part in Wednesday's Brabantse Pijl will be on hand once again with Kjell Carlström, Russell Downing, Simon Gerrans and Davide Viganò being joined by Bradley Wiggins, Lars-Petter Nordhaug, Mathew Hayman and Chris Froome.
TV Coverage: Live on British Eurosport and Eurosport HD between 1415-1600 with highlights at 2245-2345. Viewers can also watch live online at www.eurosportplayer.co.uk
