Can anyone deny Remco Evenepoel's revenge and will Demi Vollering continue FDJ's dominance? - Analysing the favourites for Amstel Gold Race 2026
The Ardennes Classics kick off this Sunday at the Amstel Gold Race, with both the men's and women's pelotons taking on the first in the epic trio of races from Maastricht to Valkenburg in Dutch Limburg.
Defending champions Mattias Skjelmose and Mischa Bredewold are back for another tilt at the respective 257km and 157km courses, with plenty of punchy climbs such as the Bemelerberg and Cauberg set to separate the best from the rest.
Last year's men's race was among the very best of the season, with a thrilling chase ending in a three-up sprint where Skjelmose beat Evenepoel and Tadej Pogačar, who isn't racing in the Netherlands this year.
Men's Race Analysis
Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek):
- Skjelmose's victory last year was a surprise, but his recent extension with Lidl-Trek through 2028 cements his status as a team leader in the Ardennes.
- His early-season form has been patchy, with 7th at Volta a Catalunya and 14th at Itzulia Basque Country, but he finished second behind Paul Seixas on stage 2 at Itzulia.
- The absence of Juan Ayuso due to illness removes a question mark over leadership, giving Skjelmose a clear opportunity to shine.
Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe):
- Evenepoel is the top favourite, with key rivals like Tadej Pogačar and Wout van Aert not racing in the Netherlands.
- Last year's third-place finish was his debut, and he enters this edition with more familiarity.
- Evenepoel's early-season form is strong, with three successive wins in Spain and a time trial win at the UAE Tour.
- He's in top one-day form, with a third-place finish at the Tour of Flanders, and is expected to be firing on all cylinders.
Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike):
- Jorgenson has a solid start to the year, taking fourth at Faun Ardèche, second at Faun Drome Classic, and second overall at Tirreno Adriatico.
- His goals this season are focused on the Ardennes, not the cobbled Classics, and he has the support of Per Strand Hagenes and Ben Tulett.
- Christophe Laporte may be a better option, fresh off a strong performance in Flanders and Roubaix, but he'll need to survive the hills.
Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ United):
- Grégoire has already proven his ability at the Amstel Gold Race, taking seventh last year and fourth at Strade Bianche.
- His flying start to the season includes a win at the Faun Drome Classic and second place at Trofeo Laigueglia.
- Grégoire is a top French talent, and a first one-day WorldTour victory seems within reach.
Brady Gilmore (NSN Pro Cycling):
- Gilmore is a neo-pro, but his form in punchy circuit races and a strong performance at the Volta a Catalunya make him an outside chance.
- A podium finish at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and a near-podium finish at the Tour Down Under further highlight his potential.
Women's Race Analysis
Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx-Protime):
- Bredewold's solo victory last year was a testament to her skill, and she enters this race with top ten form at the Tour of Flanders.
- SD Worx-Protime has multiple strong players, allowing Bredewold to take chances, and she's a key leader for the team in the hillier Classics.
Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime):
- Wiebes missed out on a win in 2024 and 2025, but her form is elite, and she's part of a strong team with Bredewold and Anna van der Breggen.
- Her recent performance at Paris-Roubaix, bouncing back from a crash, shows her resilience and ability to manage various race conditions.
Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ):
- Vollering is a perennial favourite, with a winning objective and a strong team. She's won four of seven races this season.
- Amstel Gold Race has been less successful for Vollering in recent years, but she has a victory and two second places to her name.
- Her recent Tour of Flanders victory and strong team form make her a strong contender for the top spot.
Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto):
- Niewiadoma-Phinney is a former winner and has multiple podium finishes at the race.
- Her strong start to the season, including second places in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Strade Bianche, makes her a key contender.
- The Cauberg's proximity to the finish this year could provide an ideal opportunity for her.
Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike):
- Vos, the only rider to have won the women's Amstel Gold Race twice, is a force to be reckoned with.
- Her experience and winning drive make her a dark horse, despite a less active season due to personal issues.
In summary, the Amstel Gold Race 2026 promises an exciting race with strong contenders on both the men's and women's sides. The personal commentary and analysis highlight the key factors and potential outcomes, providing a deeper understanding of the race dynamics and the riders' chances.
