BiciRace.com :: 2005 Amstel Gold Race

2005 Amstel Gold Race, Preview

Amstel Gold Race, Netherlands

17 April, 251K

Strong Teams for Amstel Gold Race

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The Amstel Gold Race, Round 8 of the UCI Pro Tour, is just around the bend, and will take the riders on tortuous terrain around the rolling hills of The Netherlands. 2005 is the 40th edition of this great event and will be run over a 251km course of tough climbs that will be sure to weed out all but the strongest contenders.

Can Rebellin repeat his incredible win from a year ago? He is on fine form having just placed second in the final GC of The Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco. A threat to him could come from his own countryman, Danilo Di Luca. Di Luca just took top honors in the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, and has placed in the top 5 of this event the last two years running.

Watch out for the Rabobank "three headed monster" of Boogerd, Dekker and Freire. This race is the Holy Grail for Dutch cycling, and you can bet that the boys in orange will be riding out of their skin to take a home victory. Rabobank's strength however, could also be their downfall. We all know what happens when there are too many cooks in the kitchen. Just ask T-Mobile about the Tour de France for the last several years.

Vino Leads, photo: T-Mobile Team

Speaking of T-Mobile, the German squad should have the firepower to answer any attacks by the Rabobank boys. On the start line for T-Mobile will be 2003 Amstel Gold winner, Alexandre Vinokourov, as well as Matthias Kessler and T-Mobile transplant, Serguei Ivanov. Both Kessler and Ivanov have taken top 10 placings the last two years of this event, so they clearly have the pedigree to do well.

BiciRace.com always likes an underdog, so we're looking for the boys from Liberty Seguros-Würth to steal the show. Liberty Seguros-Würth is bringing strong all rounder Michele Scarponi, as well as 2003 9th place finisher, Angel Vicioso. Rounding out the Liberty Seguros-Würth roster is the irrepressible David Etxebarria.

Stay tuned for BiciRace.com's complete post race coverage on Sunday April 17.
- Paco