Following climbs up the Maasberg, Adsteeg, Bergseweg, Korenweg, Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg, Fromberg and Keutenberg, the women tackle the famous Cauberg for the first time. It is the most revered hill of the Netherlands, which climbs for 800 metres at 6.5% and its steepest section is 12.8%. The ascent is included four times in the Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition.
1.6 kilometres after the Cauberg the riders first pass the finish line and the circuit begins. Four laps of 17.9 kilometres and four times the Geulhemmerberg/Bemelerberg/Cauberg combo.
The Geulhemmerberg is 1 kilometre long and averages 5%. The route returns towards Maastricht, but without entering the city. The riders head back to the hills instead and hit the Bemelerberg, which is a winding 900 metres climb at 5%. A false flat and an ensuing drop take them to the foot of the Cauberg. The steepest ramp is 300 metres up the hill, which is a perfect place to strike. As said, the finish line is 1.6 kilometres after the top of Cauberg.
Usually, the Cauberg is decisive in the women’s Gold Race. Last year, the attackers were caught early on the ascent before Van Vleuten accelerated and only Lippert, Vollering, Niewiadoma, García, Moolman and Cavalli were capable to follow that move. Cavalli pushed on in the false flat section after the top and opened a decisive gap. She took the win 4 seconds ahead of Vollering, who outgunned Lippert in the sprint for second place.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX Amstel Gold Race Ladies edition 2023.
Other interesting reads: results and start list 2023 Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition.
Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2023: routes, profiles, more
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