After missing out in the 2025 Amstel Gold Race, Remco Evenepoel is urged to change up his tactics

Remco Evenepoel, the clear favourite for the upcoming Amstel Gold Race, is being urged to reconsider his race tactics following his near-miss in the 2025 edition. Despite starting the season strongly with a victory over Wout van Aert at De Brabantse Pijl, Evenepoel’s confidence in a sprint finish at Amstel last year ultimately cost him the win. He finished third after waiting for a sprint against Mattias Skjelmose and Tadej Pogačar, rather than making an earlier decisive move. Klaas Lodewyck, sports director at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, has advised Evenepoel to adopt a more aggressive approach in this year’s race. Lodewyck reflected that Evenepoel’s sprint victory over Van Aert was a “poisoned gift” that led to overconfidence. He suggested that Evenepoel should try to break away earlier, potentially on the final ascent of the Cauberg, rather than relying on a sprint finish. Lodewyck pointed out that the race’s challenging 257.2-kilometre route, with 33 climbs, offers opportunities to make a difference before the final sprint. In addition to Lodewyck’s advice, four-time Amstel Gold Race winner Philippe Gilbert has weighed in with tactical guidance. Gilbert recommended that Evenepoel stay with his teammates for as long as possible to conserve energy, especially given the absence of other top contenders like Van Aert, Pogačar, and Mathieu van der Poel. He warned that an early solo attack could leave Evenepoel isolated and forced to do too much work at the front, which would be detrimental over such a long and demanding course. Both Lodewyck and Gilbert emphasise that the Amstel Gold Race rewards bold, well-timed attacks rather than a cautious sprint finish. Evenepoel’s form and sprinting ability remain strong, but adapting his strategy to the unique demands of this race could be key to securing victory. With the pressure on as the top favourite, how Evenepoel balances aggression and teamwork will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the race approaches.