Amstel Gold Race: Finding the Positives in the Chaos

With just one recovery day after Brabantse Pijl, I was back on the start line of  the Amstel Gold Race. It’s not the most ideal turnaround, but I came in with a real boost of confidence and a lot of motivation to make it count.

From early on, it was one of those races where you feel like you’re constantly on the edge. At a really important point for positioning, we lost two teammates to crashes in quick succession - both happening right in front of me. Somehow, I managed to stay upright both times. It genuinely felt like I had nine lives out there. But losing riders at that moment changed everything, especially heading into such a demanding course.

Despite that, I settled into a really good rhythm as the race went on. Through the steep, punchy climbs in the middle part of the race, I felt strong, present and confident in my positioning. There’s a certain flow you look for in races like this, and I felt it was there.

We had a clear team plan, and it was great to see Nicole execute it perfectly by going up the road early and coming back to us at exactly the right moment. That kind of teamwork makes a big difference - not just tactically, but mentally too.

As the race became more aggressive, I tried to stay proactive. On the third-to-last lap, I made a move to anticipate what might come next and got clear briefly with Steffi Häberlin from SD Worx. It felt like the right moment to try something - but when Demi Vollering personally closed the gap, it was also a sign that the move had real potential. When a rider like that reacts herself, it gives you a bit of extra confidence that you’re on the right track. From there, it was about adapting.

Being isolated in the final part of the race meant making decisions on instinct - when to follow, when to hold back and how to use the energy I had left as wisely as possible. It’s not an easy place to be, especially against teams with multiple riders, but it’s also part of racing at this level.

I could feel I was just missing a tiny bit in the end, which isn’t surprising given the tight turnaround from Brabantse. But even so, I fought to stay in contention and put myself in a position to sprint for fourth.

I did what I could, but unfortunately, getting boxed in during the sprint for fourth meant settling for 11th.

It’s one of those finishes that’s frustrating in the moment, but when you take a step back, there’s a lot to take from the day. The sensations were good, the form is there and I felt like I belonged in the race, making moves and being part of the action.

Away from the racing, it was also really special to share the day with people from the Collective. Having Sylvie and Wouter, there at the start, out on the course supporting, and then catching up afterwards over lunch made the whole experience even more meaningful.

It was also great to reconnect with Martine Bras, a mentor and fellow pro from my early years. She’s played such an important role in guiding me through my career and remains a close friend to this day. These connections really remind me how much deeper this sport goes beyond just results.

As I move through what I know are some of my “lasts” in races that have meant so much to me, it brings a slightly strange but also very grounding feeling. Today, even without a podium or a standout result, I can honestly say I’m proud of my ride and more than that, I truly enjoyed my last Amstel Gold Race.

And that’s something to build on.

Now, with a couple of days to recover, the focus shifts to La Flèche Wallonne - a race that means a lot to me. It’s where I first really proved to myself that I could compete at this level, and it’s always had a special place in my heart.

There’s nothing quite like the Mur de Huy - the atmosphere, the intensity, the feeling of being pushed up that final climb by the crowds. It’s a race I truly love.

With the legs feeling good and confidence building, I’m looking forward to lining up again and giving it everything on Wednesday.

-- Ashleigh Moolman Pasio