Amstel Gold race cancelled due to increased COVID-19 restrictions

The 2020 Amstel Gold Race has been cancelled after the introduction of increased COVID-19 restrictions by the Dutch Government.

Amstel Gold Race

Amstel Gold Race Source: Getty Images

Organisers of the Amstel Gold Race and Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition announced the cancellation of this year's event on Wednesday, with the new restrictions making holding the race unfeasible.

The race had already been rescheduled to October 10 from its usual starting date in April, due to the coronavirus pandemic but the latest decision means the race will be cancelled altogether.  

The decision follows the cancellation of the Dutch time trial championships, as well as major changes to the route for the BinckBank Tour which was set to take place in the city of Vlissingen in the south-west of the Netherlands.
"The past few months have been very intensive. The COVID-19 pandemic makes the organization of the Amstel Gold Race very complex," Amstel Gold race director Leo van Vliet said. 

"In the last few weeks, it became increasingly clear that a course through South Limburg, with visits to ten municipalities, was unfeasible.
"With the condition 'no public' it became an almost impossible task. From Tuesday morning, we consulted with representatives of the Security Region and the municipalities.

"In their final assessment, the mayors established the impossibility of guaranteeing no public. Of course, no matter how much we hate it, we can't help but respect this assessment. Of course, it does not prevent us from returning next year with a fantastic race."

The first Amstel Gold Race was held in 1966 has been held every year since. 

Van Vliet said the race will return in 2021. 

SBS will have all the action from the men's and women's Liege-Bastogne-Liege LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand this Sunday, October 4 from 8:30pm (AEST).


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2 min read
Published 1 October 2020 2:12pm
By SBS Cycling Central
Source: SBS


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