In what was shaping up to be another masterclass of dominance by the Slovenian cycling superstar, the Amstel Gold Race took a surprising turn on Sunday. With 42 kilometers remaining, it looked like Tadej Pogačar was once again defying logic, gravity, and his rivals. Responding aggressively to a breakaway attempt by Julian Alaphilippe, Pogačar attacked and went solo — a familiar sight that has often led to certain victory. However, this time, the road had different plans, and so did his rivals.
Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France winner and reigning World Champion, appeared to be writing another chapter in his extraordinary career. But in a stunning twist that only the relentless terrain and cunning rivals could orchestrate, Mattias Skjelmose and Remco Evenepoel clawed back into contention, catching Pogačar within the final ten kilometers. The Slovenian would eventually settle for second place — a result that, while admirable to many, left lingering questions about whether even the best can sometimes miscalculate.
A Race That Changed Gear Too Soon
From the early stages, the 2025 edition of the Amstel Gold Race was a tactical battlefield. The peloton was cagey, riders testing each other on climbs like the Cauberg and the Eyserbosweg. But with just over 40 kilometers left, the tone changed. When Julian Alaphilippe launched a spirited attack, Pogačar didn’t hesitate. He followed with such aggression that it looked as if the rest of the field had simply stopped. As Alaphilippe faltered, Pogačar pressed on solo.
It was a bold move, but not uncharacteristic of a rider who has made such attacks his trademark. The cycling world has grown used to Pogačar attacking early and making it stick — from Liège–Bastogne–Liège to Strade Bianche. Yet, Amstel’s winding roads and hidden inclines can be unforgiving.
“I felt great when I attacked,” Pogačar said post-race. “But the last 15 kilometers were really tough. I didn’t expect the wind to take that much out of me, and I couldn’t gauge where the others were.”
Skjelmose and Evenepoel: The Silent Assassins
Mattias Skjelmose, the 23-year-old Danish powerhouse riding for Lidl–Trek, has steadily risen through the ranks, often in the shadows of more famous names. But Sunday marked his breakout. Working in tandem with Belgian superstar Remco Evenepoel, the two formed a cohesive chasing duo that hunted down Pogačar with surgical precision.
Skjelmose would go on to win the race in a final burst of energy, beating both Pogačar and Evenepoel to the line with an explosive sprint in the final meters. Evenepoel, known for his own long solo raids and aggressive style, appeared almost subdued — playing a role that showed his growing maturity and team awareness.
“This was a mental and physical battle,” Skjelmose said. “We had to believe that Tadej wasn’t invincible today. And when we saw he was fading, we knew we had to go.”
Evenepoel added, “It’s rare to see Pogačar struggle, but the conditions were brutal. He’s still the best in the world, but today we had our moment.”
Did Pogačar Overestimate Himself?
That’s the question echoing through the cycling world after Sunday’s race. With an already crammed spring campaign — including wins and high placings in Milan-San Remo, Strade Bianche, and Tirreno-Adriatico — some wondered if Pogačar was stretching himself too thin.
His aggressive style, while breathtaking to watch, demands a high physical and mental price. Going solo for over 40 kilometers in a one-day classic with wind, elevation, and technical roads might be ambitious, even for a rider of Pogačar’s caliber.
Former pro and analyst Philippe Gilbert weighed in: “Tadej is phenomenal, but today’s race showed that he’s not a machine. You can’t always attack like that and expect the field to crumble. There’s too much talent now.”
Indeed, with rising stars like Skjelmose, Juan Ayuso, and Evenepoel sharpening their tactics and learning to conserve energy, even cycling’s golden boy must pick his battles wisely.
A Lesson, Not a Defeat
Despite missing out on the top step of the podium, Pogačar remained composed and gracious in defeat. His second-place finish secured valuable UCI points and further solidified his status as the season’s most consistent performer.
Asked if he regrets going early, he responded: “No regrets. I race with my heart. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ll learn from it.”
That mentality is part of what makes Pogačar such a beloved figure in the sport. He doesn’t just win — he races with flair, courage, and emotion. Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race didn’t diminish his star; it added another layer of complexity to his legacy.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
The setback, if it can even be called that, comes at a pivotal time. The Giro d’Italia is just weeks away, and Pogačar has already announced his intention to chase the pink jersey before returning to France in July for another shot at the yellow.
His ability to recover, recalibrate, and refocus will be critical. “We’ll adjust some training, review the data, and look ahead,” said his UAE Team Emirates coach, Joxean Matxin. “There’s nothing wrong — it was just a very, very hard race.”
The Bigger Picture: A More Competitive Era
If Pogačar’s near-miss did anything, it reminded fans that this golden generation of riders is built on rivalry, not dominance. Gone are the days of single-rider control. Between Pogačar, Evenepoel, Van der Poel, Skjelmose, and a long list of hungry challengers, cycling is now a chess match on wheels.
And that’s a good thing.
Pogačar’s defeat on Sunday made the sport more exciting. It humanized its hero and elevated others. It also set the stage for a thrilling spring finale and a summer filled with suspense.
Final Thoughts
In cycling, as in life, the journey is often more compelling than the destination. Tadej Pogačar remains the heartbeat of the peloton, the rider who makes things happen. But even he, as we saw in the Amstel Gold Race, isn’t beyond the reach of rivals, fatigue, or miscalculation.
“The last 15 kilometers were really tough,” he said — not as an excuse, but as a confession. A reminder that he, too, feels the burn, the wind, and the pressure.
And for fans around the world, that vulnerability might just be what makes his next victory even sweeter.
Leave a Reply