Sunday April 18th 2026: Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition - Maastricht - Berg & Terblijt (158 km)

The 2026 Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition (#12) covers 158 kilometres through the hilly landscape of South Limburg, featuring 22 climbs that are likely to shape the race dynamics. The peloton rolls out from the Markt in Maastricht and heads via the Maasberg into an early sequence of classic Limburg ascents, including the Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg, Fromberg, and Keutenberg. This opening phase offers opportunities for breakaways, though historically the bunch tends to remain relatively intact here.

At roughly 80 kilometres from the finish, the race reaches the local circuit around Valkenburg. This loop is tackled four times and includes the familiar trio of the Cauberg – Geulhemmerberg – Bemelerberg. The repeated succession of these climbs usually produces a gradual selection: teams with multiple leaders can apply pressure, while riders aiming for a late move will need to manage their efforts carefully.

The decisive moments are expected on the fifth and final ascent of the Cauberg, with its summit located about 2.5 kilometres from the finish in Berg en Terblijt. The profile allows for several plausible scenarios. An attack on the Cauberg itself remains a logical option, particularly for riders with the explosive climbing ability to sustain a short, intense effort to the line. Alternatively, a small group may crest together and cooperate in the run‑in, where positioning and timing become critical. A reduced‑bunch sprint is also possible, though it would require a controlled race and teams strong enough to maintain a steady pace.

With its combination of a long approach, repeated local laps, and a finale that encourages aggressive racing, the 2026 edition once again presents a course that rewards both tactical awareness and climbing strength. Traditionally the Amstel Gold Race has a strong field of participants with its hilly character.

Previous editions

In the previous editions of the Amstel Gold Race Ladies, there were many Dutch victories. The first edition in 2001 was won by Debby Mansveld, followed by Leontien van Moorsel in 2002 and Nicole Cooke in 2003. After a break of fourteen years, the race returned in 2017 and was won by Anna van der Breggen. In 2018, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak won the race, followed by Katarzyna Niewiadoma in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race was cancelled in 2020. In 2021 and 2024 Marianne Vos won, and last year Bredewold secured the third Dutch victory in a row.