Just 12 kilometres separate Maastricht from Valkenburg, but the Amstel Gold Race peloton takes the long road from the Markt as they travel some 248 kilometres of tortuous Limburg roads before reaching the finish over the top of the Cauberg.
Three-time winner Philippe Gilbert (BMC) was, as ever, at the centre of attention at the start in Maastricht on Sunday morning, as the Belgian lined out for the first time since fracturing his finger during an altercation with a motorist last week. Gilbert cut a relaxed figure as he rolled to sign on, and he repeated his wish for a headwind over the top of the Cauberg.
Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) will have to find common cause with teammate Simon Gerrans in the finale if he is to prevail on Sunday afternoon. Third a year ago, the Australian is, for many, the outstanding favourite, though he was coy about his prospects on the sign on podium. “We’ll see,” Matthews smiled when asked if he was the man to beat.
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Orica-GreenEdge Mathew Hayman was also on hand for his first outing since his surprise victory at Paris-Roubaix last week, and the Australian – who spent the early part of his career racing for Dutch squad Rabobank – received one of the loudest cheers of the morning when he was presented on the rostrum.
Brabantse Pijl winner Petr Vakoc lines up as part of a solid Etixx-QuickStep team that is still looking for victory in a big Classic to put a different sheen on its Spring campaign. “There aren’t many of them left to win,” Matteo Trentin smiled as he went to sign on.
“We will see how the race develops, it’ll depend on the size of the group and the wind direction, but if I see an opportunity to attack like last Wednesday in Brabantse Pijl, I’ll take it,” Vakoc said. “I didn’t hesitate then and if I see an opportunity I will try to go. My favourites? It’s definitely Michael Matthews, Philippe Gilbert, even though he’s injured, and Simon Gerrans.”
The peloton set out in dry conditions and pleasant sunshine, and though shows are possible late in the afternoon, the race ought to avoid the worst of the rain, much to the relief of Ryder Hesjedal (Trek-Segafredo), who lines out alongside home favourite Bauke Mollema.
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