There was a moment of uncertainty about his participation, but Tadej Pogacar adhered to the strategy and would commence ‘as planned’ in the Amstel Gold Race. The world champion aims to secure his second win in the nation’s sole WorldTour classic, and he has a strong team available to him. It signifies the beginning of the Ardennes trilogy, during which the Slovenian aims to perform exceptionally well over the week.
Following a superb beginning to the spring, attention has now shifted to the hills in Belgium and the Netherlands. “We depart from the cobbled Classics with our heads held high,” as noted on his team’s site. “I believe we can be satisfied with our efforts there, and we encountered some fantastic challenges along the way.” Following his triumph in the Strade Bianche, the star excelled in the Tour of Flanders, then secured a second place in his first attempt at Paris-Roubaix the following week.
Pogacar’s run of victories will, hence, persist in the Ardennes. He will receive assistance from Jhonatan Narváez, Brandon McNulty, Felix Grossschartner, Domen Novak, Pavel Sivakov, and Tim Wellens during the Amstel Gold Race. The latter will commence in the Netherlands following the omission of the Brabantse Pijl. “The Ardennes competitions will present a new challenge.” There are three challenging one-day races concentrated within a week, yet I believe we possess the team capable of competing in each of them. However, we will approach it one race at a time, beginning with Amstel Gold, and progress from that point.
With the classics season in full swing, Pogacar’s decision to race in Amstel Gold is a strategic move to capitalize on his excellent form and maintain momentum as the peloton transitions into the Ardennes week. Having already demonstrated his versatility by mastering gravel, cobblestones, and now turning his attention to the punchy terrain of the Dutch Limburg region, Pogacar’s ambitions are clear. The route, featuring a relentless series of short, sharp climbs, suits his explosive power and tactical intelligence.
The Slovenian’s past success at the Amstel Gold Race adds to the anticipation. He previously claimed victory in 2023 in a thrilling solo attack that left the competition behind. His blend of aggression, stamina, and timing was unmatched then—and now, with a rainbow jersey on his back and his form peaking again, expectations are even higher.
UAE Team Emirates will deploy a robust lineup to support their leader. Riders like McNulty and Wellens bring experience and climbing prowess, while Narváez and Sivakov offer depth and tactical flexibility. The team has opted to forgo the Brabantse Pijl, focusing all efforts on a clean sweep in the Ardennes trio: Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Pogacar himself has acknowledged the intense nature of the week ahead. “The Ardennes races are always explosive and mentally demanding,” he said in a pre-race briefing. “Each of them has its own rhythm and challenges. I enjoy the one-day format—it’s all about seizing the right moment and having the legs to make it count.”
Weather conditions are expected to be mild, and dry roads could encourage early attacks or long-range moves—something Pogacar is never shy to attempt. His rivals will include a mix of seasoned Ardennes contenders and young talent eager to upset the odds. However, with his current form, few would bet against the Slovenian.
As the peloton lines up in Maastricht for the start of the 2025 edition, all eyes will be on the world champion. A victory here would not only bolster his classics résumé but also set the tone for what could be another dominant Ardennes campaign. After Amstel Gold, he’ll set his sights on La Flèche Wallonne midweek, followed by the grueling test of Liège–Bastogne–Liège on Sunday.
If Pogacar performs to expectations, the cycling world could witness yet another historic chapter in his already illustrious career.
