The 2015 Amstel Gold Race through the lens of Kristof Ramon
Here at CyclingTips we’re lucky to be able to work with some of the best cycling photographers in the world. It’s always a joy to pore over the dozens and dozens of photos that come our way after the big races, seeing the little details we missed while watching the coverage on TV.
Belgian photographer Kristof Ramon is one such purveyor of fine images and he was at the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, capturing another set of photos which tell the story of the day. We’ve added in a handful of photos from our photo agency Cor Vos as well — it’s hard for one photographer to be everywhere and capture every interesting moment!
By now you probably know how the race unfolded. In brief: there were numerous breakaways and escape groups throughout the day, but it all came back together on approach to the final climb: the Cauberg. As predicted, the race exploded on that short but steep rise, leading to the formation of an 18-rider lead group. World champion Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick-Step) emerged victorious after a well-timed sprint.
If you’d like to read more, follow the links for a full race report and results and for our analysis of the race. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the following gallery courtesy of Kristof Ramon and Cor Vos.
Brief results
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- Michael Matthews leaves the team hotel to get to the start of the race.
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- Australian Calvin Watson (second from right) and his Trek teammates wait to go on stage at the team presentation.
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- Frank Schleck is a former winner of the race (2006) but he would have to settle for 56th this time around.
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- Enrico Gasparotto (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) won this race back in 2012 while riding for Astana. He finished eighth this year.
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- Simon Gerrans returned to the Amstel Gold Race after finishing third last year. He was cast in a supporting role for Michael Matthews this time around.
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- If you’ve wondered where Aussie rider Luke Roberts went after retiring as a pro at the end of last year, here he is as the director sportif for the Cult Energy Pro Continental squad.
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- At nearly 44 years old, Davide Rebellin (left) was the oldest rider in the race by five years. He’s a former winner as well, having won the race way back in 2004.
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- Race organiser Leo Van Vliet at the start in Maastricht.
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- Big crowds cheering the peloton out of Maastricht.
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- Shimano neutral service heads out of the start.
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- There were the usual early attempts at a breakaway.
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- The day’s main escape took roughly 30km to come together and featured six riders: Jan Polanc (Lampre-Merida), Timo Roosen (LottoNL-Jumbo), Laurens De Vreese (Astana), Johann Van Zyl (MTN-Qhubeka), Linus Gerdemann (Cult Energy), and Mike Terpstra (Team Roompot).
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- The peloton climbs the Cauberg. They would tackle this famous climb a total of four times during the race.
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- The leaders had an advantage of nearly 10 minutes but that was gradually whittled away.
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- Laurens De Vreese leads the breakaway through one of the seemingly thousands of corners on the tight and twisty course.
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- How very Dutch.
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- Polish fans would have plenty to celebrate a few hours later.
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- A crash takes down Jelle Vanendert …
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- … and Koen de Kort.
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- Jelle Vanendert receives some medical attention after his crash.
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- World champion and eventual winner Michal Kwiatkowski was prominently positioned on the Gulpenerberg.
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- Michael Matthews, too, rode great position all day.
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- The peloton fills the narrow rode up the Gulpenerberg.
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- Two Aussies, David Tanner (IAM) and Simon Clarke (Orica-GreenEdge) were part of a late move after the break was caught.
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- An elite group featuring Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick-Step) chases Tanner and Clarke.
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- Tanner was dropped, Clarke was joined by Martin and Nibali, and then Clarke went solo. He was eventually caught with 8km to go.
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- Ben Hermans led the charge on the final climb of the Cauberg, before his teammate Philippe Gilbert (pictured behind) made a predictable but effective move.
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- In the past Philippe Gilbert has been unstoppable on the Cauberg, but Michael Matthews was able to follow him this time. Just.
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- But after the likes of Kwiatkowski, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) came across to Gilbert and Matthews, the race was decided in an 18-rider sprint.
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- Michal Kwiatkowski took the win with a brilliantly timed sprint, ahead of Valverde and Matthews.
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- Philippe Gilbert faces the media post-race. He wasn’t able to come up with the goods this time around, but his attack on the Cauberg was still a sight to behold.
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- Michael Matthews spent nearly 20 minutes at the team bus after the race, unable to move, looking like he was about to vomit. He was late to the podium presentations but eventually got there.
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- Matthews and co enjoy a glass of the race owner’s finest.
