Amstel Gold Race 2026: Route

Sunday 19 April – The Amstel Gold Race route is virtually a copy of last year’s. So again, the Cauberg is back in the heart of the finale to light up the action. Over 257.2 kilometres, the riders face 33 climbs. After the final ascent of the Cauberg, there are still 1.7 kilometres to the finish.

First published on 9 April 2026

Last year, the Amstel Gold Race featured one extra climb, the Adsteeg, which appeared after just 30 kilometres, so its removal will not impact the race in the slightest. Otherwise, the route is virtually a blueprint. After the start in Maastricht, the peloton heads north out of the city. Just 13 kilometres in, the Maasberg provides the first climb, and after 47 kilometres the Bergseweg serves as the second. That leaves roughly 210 kilometres still to race, featuring 31 climbs — meaning the riders barely get a moment’s respite. All the climbs are short, punchy efforts that seem harmless on their own, but their sheer repetition makes the Amstel a race of attrition.

The steepest ascents appear in the run-in to the finale. Starting just under 50 kilometres from the finish, the riders tackle the Gulperberg, Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg and Fromberg within 11 kilometres. Shortly afterwards comes the Keutenberg, which ramps up to a brutal 16%. And another 10 kilometres later, the penultimate ascent of the Cauberg awaits: 900 metres at 7%, with a spike of 11.7%.

The finishing circuit measures 19.9 kilometres. After passing the finish line, the riders first head to the Geulhemmerberg, a 900-metre climb at 6.3%. From there, they take the narrow Kuitenbergweg to the Bemelerberg — 900 metres at 4.8% — before twisting their way back to the Cauberg for the final time.

Last year, Tadej Pogacar looked set to win the Gold Race with one of his trademark mega solos. After triumphing in 2023 with a solo move from the Keutenberg, he attacked even earlier this time, going clear with Julian Alaphilippe on the Gulperberg with just under 50 kilometres remaining. He dropped the Frenchman on the next climb, the Kruisberg, and was left out front on his own.

It went smoothly at first. He opened up a considerable gap and Mattias Skjelmose was chasing on his own fo a while. Then things started to heat up behind him in the final 25 kilometres when Remco Evenepoel joined in. In the closing lap they edged ever closer to the lone leader, and with 8 kilometres to go they made the catch.

Still, it nearly worked out for the world champion. After Evenepoel opened the sprint, he drew level in the final metres, but Skjelmose refused to give in and crowned a gripping finale with one last all-out effort. Triumph for the Dane, and in hindsight, one of the very few races Pogacar involuntarily lost last season.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX 2026 Amstel Gold Race.

The Amstel Gold Race starts at 11:10 and is expected to finish around 17:10 - both local times (CEST).