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Skjelmose outfoxes Pogacar and Evenepoel in Thrilling Amstel Gold Victory

In a stunning display of tenacity and skill, up-and-coming Danish cyclist Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek triumphed over cycling giants Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel at the iconic Amstel Gold race on Sunday. Mischa Bredewold claimed victory in the women's race.

Skjelmose outfoxes Pogacar and Evenepoel in Thrilling Amstel Gold Victory

This 255-kilometer classic, known for its challenging terrain and demanding hills, witnessed a gripping three-way battle that captivated fans and showcased the future of cycling.

The race unfolded dramatically as Tour de France winner and reigning world champion Pogacar launched a daring solo attack with 50 kilometers remaining. Skjelmose, just 24 years old, quickly responded, pursuing Pogacar before being joined by double Olympic champion Evenepoel in the race's closing stages. The trio's dynamic shifted as they caught a fading Pogacar, setting the stage for an electrifying finish.

"I was riding into a headwind, and once Remco had joined the chase, I decided to wait for them," Pogacar recounted, reflecting on the strategic plays that defined the race. As the climbers approached the final ascents, Skjelmose cleverly allowed his more experienced rivals to expend their energy, setting himself up for a dramatic finish.

In a nail-biting 3-kilometer cat-and-mouse standoff, Skjelmose ultimately emerged as the unanticipated victor, crossing the finish line just ahead of Pogacar, who finished second. "The finish line was five meters too far," Pogacar admitted, acknowledging Skjelmose's remarkable performance with a respectful tap on the shoulder.

Evenepoel, who had taken on the bulk of the chasing effort, expressed his disappointment after nearly six hours in the saddle. "I really paid the price for all my efforts in the headwind over the last 15 kilometers," Pogacar added, highlighting the physical toll of the race.

Wout van Aert of Belgium finished fourth, 34 seconds behind the leaders, while Australian Michael Matthews rounded out the top five. Defending champion Tom Pidcock, who had claimed victory in a similar fashion the previous year, also found himself in the van Aert group.

An exhausted yet elated Skjelmose, still processing his victory, stated, "I was riding for a podium spot." The young cyclist previously earned accolades as the best young rider at the Vuelta in 2024 and clinched the Tour of Switzerland title in 2023, but this win at Amstel Gold marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

The Amstel Gold race, the only major one-day cycling event in the Netherlands, attracted enthusiastic crowds along its route, celebrating the spirit of competition and the beauty of the Limburg hills. Earlier in the day, Dutch cyclist Mischa Bredewold claimed victory in the women's 157-kilometer race, demonstrating the depth of talent in the sport. Bredewold's late breakaway allowed her to tackle the final hill alone, finishing just seven seconds ahead of compatriots Ellen van Dijk and Puck Pieterse. "That was a mental victory; it was so hard at the end. A home victory, I'm Dutch and this is the Amstel," she expressed, celebrating her success.

2025 Amstel Gold Race Men Top 10

01 Skjelmose Mattias Lidl-Trek 05:49:58
02 Pogacar Tadej UAE Team Emirates-XRG + 00
03 Evenepoel Remco Soudal Quick-Step + 00
04 van Aert Wout Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 34
05 Matthews Michael Team Jayco-AlUla + 34
06 Barré Louis Intermarché-Wanty + 34
07 Grégoire Romain Groupama-FDJ + 34
08 Benoot Tiesj Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 34
09 Pidcock Tom Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team + 34
10 Healy Ben EF Education-EasyPost + 34