Pello Bilbao leads Bahrain Victorious hopes at Amstel Gold Race

# Pello Bilbao Sets Sights on Amstel Gold Race Glory for Bahrain Victorious

Bahrain Victorious heads into the prestigious Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, April 19, with high hopes pinned on their star cyclist, Pello Bilbao. This iconic race in the Dutch Ardennes is infamous for its challenging 257 km route that includes 33 climbs and a staggering 3,400 metres of elevation gain.

The race kicks off in Maastricht and culminates in Valkenburg, navigating the narrow and twisting roads of Limburg where riders’ positioning and timing will play pivotal roles in their success. The ascent becomes progressively challenging, beginning with climbs like the Maasberg and Camerig before moving towards the tripoint. As the cyclists tackle the Gulperberg and Eyserweg, they’ll face the Cauberg for the first time with approximately 80 km remaining, marking the onset of the race’s critical phase.

As riders tackle increasingly intense ascents—including the Eyserbosweg, Fromberg, and Keutenberg—the final 25 km will prove particularly decisive. A second passage over the Cauberg, followed by climbs of the Geulhemmerberg and Bemelerberg, leads them toward the finish line in Valkenburg, where the outcome will hinge on strategic positioning and timing.

Bilbao, who clinched a solid 9th place finish in 2024, is eager to reclaim his place among the elite contenders in this year’s showdown. He will be supported by a robust squad, including Fran Miholjević, Edoardo Zambanini, Pau Miquel, Vlad Van Mechelen, Attila Valter, and Matej Mohorič.

Sports Director Gasparotto shared insights into the team’s strategy leading up to the race: “We have a strong team that will be working to support Pello during the day. This race is always difficult with the small roads, so positioning and being in the right places in the latter part will be crucial. The weather will be unpredictable and that can also be a factor. We have Pello coming off a great result in Basque and we are confident he can continue his form coming into the Ardennes.”

With a capable team and a focused leader, Bahrain Victorious is set to make a significant impact at the Amstel Gold Race.