Wiebes celebrates, but Vos wins: incredible at the Amstel Gold Race
In the women’s edition of the Amstel Gold Race, everything unfolds dramatically: a race decided by millimeters, with Lorena Wiebes raising her arms in celebration, only for them to soon turn into tears of despair.
But let’s proceed in order. The first twist occurs 55 kilometers from the finish line when the race is neutralized due to a serious incident involving a collision between a police motorcycle and a car. Suddenly, the classic race that kicks off the Ardennes trilogy transforms into a long and tense time trial, forcing teams to overhaul their race strategies. There’s no room for breakaways or individual actions; the finish will be a prolonged showdown among the best riders. Elisa Longo Borghini makes the first move, but her acceleration comes too early. Lorena Wiebes’ comeback seems to leave no space for anyone else, and that’s when the unexpected happens. With half a wheel’s advantage and victory seemingly within her grasp, the 26-year-old Dutch rider revels in a liberating celebration, unaware of the yellow hornet darting past her left side. Focused on victory down to the last centimeter, Marianne Vos, the captain of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, summons the decisive burst of energy. Her Cervelo bike is the first to cross the finish line, specially branded to commemorate her 250 career victories.
After a swift review at the photo finish, the verdict is official. Vos’ palmares now reads 251, and Wiebes’ raised arms serve as a symbol of a twist that encapsulates a fundamental rule of this sport: it’s not over until it’s over
