Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a standout performance, French cyclist Benoît Cosnefroy clinched third place at the Amstel Gold Race, adding a podium spot for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The arduous 257km stretch from Maastricht to Valkenburg featured 33 challenging climbs across the Limburg hills. The race initiated with a vigorous pace, where an early breakaway group established a lead. However, the peloton gradually quickened their speed, reeling in the majority of the breakaway competitors before the concluding phases.
As the race intensified in the last 70 kilometers, especially on climbs such as Loorberg, Gulperberg, and Kruisberg, a formidable group of favorites, including Remco Evenepoel and Mattias Skjelmose, managed to distance themselves from the other riders.
The pivotal moment arose on the Keutenberg climb, where Evenepoel and Skjelmose surged ahead, creating a gap that the chasing pack couldn't close. They later engaged in a two-man sprint for the win.
Meanwhile, Cosnefroy remained composed within the chasing group. He rode tactically and held his ground, particularly as the race fragmented near the final ascent of Cauberg.
Crossing the finish line in Valkenburg, Evenepoel outpaced Skjelmose in a sprint to secure victory. Cosnefroy displayed remarkable timing and determination to finish third, slightly under two minutes adrift from the leaders.
Looking ahead, the Ardennes Classics continue with the highly anticipated La Flèche Wallonne, set for Wednesday.
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