Amstel Gold – Original Screenprint

Artist: Eliza Southwood
Price: £350
Publication date: Not stated but c.2015
Format: Original Screenprint
Condition: Fine condition, unframed
Size: 84cm x 113cm
Edition: 30 copies, signed by the artist

One of the ‘Spring Classics’. Originally commissioned by Rapha for a non-selling exhibition in Manchester. Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist. In very fine condition. Scarce.

Amstel Gold: A Short Description

The Amstel Gold Race is a prestigious one-day professional cycling race held in the Netherlands, forming part of the UCI World Tour. It is the most prominent Dutch classic and is known for its challenging course through the hilly Limburg region, filled with short, punchy climbs. Unlike the cobbled classics, Amstel Gold is characterised by its twisting, narrow roads and frequent elevation changes, making it a strategic and tactical race.

Key Features of the Race:

• Date and Timing: The race typically takes place in mid-April, following the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix and just before La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It marks the start of the Ardennes Classics.
• Location: The race takes place in the Limburg province of the Netherlands, an area known for its rolling hills and scenic landscapes.
• Distance: The race covers a distance of around 250 kilometres and features numerous short climbs.

Route:

• Start and Finish: The race traditionally starts in Maastricht and finishes in Valkenburg, though the exact route changes slightly from year to year.
• Hills and Climbs: Amstel Gold is famous for its numerous short and steep climbs, known as “bergs.” There are typically around 35 hills in the race, with some climbs repeated multiple times during the race.

Key Climbs:

Some of the most famous and decisive climbs in the Amstel Gold Race include:

1. Cauberg: Perhaps the most iconic climb of the race, located near the finish in Valkenburg. It’s about 800 metres long with an average gradient of 7-8%. The Cauberg has often been the launchpad for race-winning attacks and was frequently the final climb before a slightly downhill finish. However, recent route changes moved the finish line a few kilometres after the Cauberg, altering the dynamic of the race.
2. Geulhemmerberg: A short but steep climb that comes late in the race. Its placement makes it a key point for positioning.
3. Bemelerberg: Another short but challenging climb that features near the end of the race, adding to the final selection before the finish.
4. Eyserbosweg: One of the most demanding climbs, with steep sections nearing 18%. It is known for its role in thinning out the peloton and setting up attacks.
5. Keutenberg: A brutal climb with sections hitting gradients of up to 22%. Its steepness makes it one of the toughest hills in the race.

Race Dynamics:

• Tactical Complexity: The narrow, winding roads of Limburg and frequent climbs make positioning and teamwork critical. Riders must constantly fight for position to stay at the front, as crashes or gaps often occur on the tight roads and sharp corners.
• Climbers and Punchers: The race typically suits puncheurs (riders who excel on short, steep climbs) rather than pure climbers or sprinters. Riders like Philippe Gilbert, Alejandro Valverde, and Mathieu van der Poel have thrived here, thanks to their ability to attack on the final climbs and handle the complex tactical nature of the race.
• Final Selection: In recent editions, the final winning move often comes from a select group of riders attacking on the last climbs, especially the Cauberg. The last kilometres are marked by a fierce battle among the best punchers.

Famous Winners:

The Amstel Gold Race has produced some iconic moments and winners, including:

• Philippe Gilbert: A four-time winner (2010, 2011, 2014, 2017), known for his dominance on the Cauberg.
• Jan Raas: A Dutch cycling legend who won the race five times (a record) during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
• Mathieu van der Poel: His 2019 victory is one of the most memorable in modern cycling. Van der Poel made an incredible comeback in the final kilometres, chasing down a breakaway and winning in a thrilling sprint finish.

Recent Developments:

• Route Changes: In recent years, the organisers have slightly altered the finish to make the race more unpredictable. In 2013, the finish was moved away from the top of the Cauberg, changing the dynamic and making it harder for one rider to attack on the final climb and hold on to victory.
• Mathieu van der Poel’s 2019 Victory: One of the most remarkable victories in cycling in recent years. Van der Poel bridged a massive gap to the leaders in the final kilometres and led out the sprint himself to win, showing immense power and tactical brilliance.

Unique Aspects:

• Dutch Cycling Culture: The Amstel Gold Race is a celebration of cycling in the Netherlands, where the sport enjoys widespread popularity. The race passes through small villages and crowds of enthusiastic Dutch fans, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Tough Course Layout: The constant turns, narrow roads, and sharp climbs give the race a unique character, requiring riders to be alert and well-positioned at all times.

Recent Winners:

• 2021: Wout van Aert (Belgium)
• 2022: Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland)
• 2023: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia)

The Amstel Gold Race is known for its unpredictable and dynamic racing, with its twisting roads and numerous climbs providing opportunities for both attacks and strategic teamwork. The race has built a reputation for producing thrilling finales and is considered one of the most tactically demanding races on the cycling calendar.

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