'The lead just wouldn’t shrink' – High hopes at Amstel Gold Race but no joy for SD Worx-Protime in home event

SD Worx-Protime entered the 2026 Amstel Gold Race with high expectations following their previous successes, including last year's victory and strong line-ups featuring defending champion Mischa Bredewold, former winner Anna van der Breggen, and Lorena Wiebes. Despite this formidable roster and the advantage of racing on home soil, the team was unable to replicate past triumphs. Van der Breggen’s ninth-place finish marked the first time since the race’s reinstatement in 2017 that SD Worx-Protime failed to place a rider in the top four, signalling a rare off-day for the dominant Dutch outfit. The race unfolded with promising moments for SD Worx-Protime, particularly as Van der Breggen, Bredewold, Nienke Vinke, and Blanka Vas featured prominently in the front group during the closing stages. However, Wiebes was dropped and eventually did not finish, weakening the team’s prospects. Vinke’s aggressive move alongside UAE Team ADQ’s Paula Blasi initially looked like a strong break, but a tactical misjudgement allowed Blasi to launch a decisive solo attack with 25 kilometres remaining. Despite efforts from the chasing group, including Van der Breggen and others, Blasi maintained her advantage to claim victory. Post-race reflections from SD Worx-Protime riders highlighted a mixture of frustration and respect for the winner’s performance. Bredewold acknowledged that while the team had hoped for a better result, the competition simply had an edge on the day. Van der Breggen noted the strength of Blasi’s ride and the difficulty in closing the gap despite numerical superiority in the chase group, emphasising the tactical challenges faced. The race demonstrated the fine margins and unpredictability inherent in women’s professional cycling, even for a team as strong as SD Worx-Protime. Looking ahead, the result serves as a reminder that home advantage and past success do not guarantee victory in the fiercely competitive Spring Classics. SD Worx-Protime will likely analyse the race to refine their strategies and maintain their status as one of the leading teams in the women’s peloton. Meanwhile, Paula Blasi’s performance signals the rise of new contenders capable of shaking up the established order, promising an exciting season ahead in women’s electric and traditional road racing.