The 50th edition of the Dutch one-day race of 258km was decided by a group sprint of 18 riders that created a gap on the final passage of the Cauberg. Behind the leading group Tom Dumoulin sprinted to 26th. 

Under sunny and dry conditions the race was animated by the day’s breakaway of six riders that sought the adventure after 35km. Team BMC Racing, Orica GreenEDGE and Movistar Team joined forces and took care of the chase all day. The finale was initiated on the second passage of the Gulpenerberg with 50km to the finish line.

When attacks did not create the desired gap, the race came down on the ultimate climb of the Cauberg. It was Gilbert (Team BMC Racing) that had the most powerful attack but 17 other riders were able to follow on the top as a sprint would decide who would win this year’s Amstel Gold Race.

Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quick step) was the fastest of the leading group and crossed the finish line with a victory. Behind the first group it was Tom Dumoulin that sprinted to 26th.

Tom Dumoulin said after the finish: “It was a grueling race. From the start I felt good but as the race lasted my feeling wasn’t getting better. On the Keutenberg my legs weren’t perfect anymore and I was unable to compete with the best on the final climb.

“Unfortunately there was head wind at the Bemelerberg so attacks did not happen there, on that moment everyone knew that the decision was to be made on the Cauberg.

“For the upcoming period I hope I can show the good feeling from my recent time trials in the normal races as well.”

Georg Preidler added: “I had a good day, too bad that we didn’t end in the top 10. My aim was to take care of Tom in the finale and that worked out well. We performed as a team until the last Cauberg passage.

“It was my first Amstel Gold Race and I am happy to finish like this. The knowledge that I have gained about the parcours will be beneficial for the upcoming years and I am looking forward to that.

“My next races will be Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which are important races for us. In my current shape I am capable of supporting Tom and Warren (Barguil) in the finale there.

Coach Aike Visbeek said: “As a team we had a good race. A key moment was the passage of the Kruisberg and we were able to deliver Tom in a good position there.

“We had bad luck with a double puncture for Roy (Curvers) and a crash of Koen (de Kort). Last-named didn’t had a great day after the excellent spring season he had so far.

“In the end we gave it all. On the young age he is Tom needed a super day to compete for the win today and unfortunately he didn’t had one. With this race in his legs he may improve towards the remaining Ardennes Classics. The difference with the top 10 riders is small so I see possibilities.”