Cycling pros and fans will be able to participate as riders and spectators in the Amstel Gold Race from the comfort of their homes on Sunday.
The Amstel Gold Race, first held in 1966, is the Netherlands’ biggest UCI cycling event and the only one-day cycling event on the UCI World Tour.
With this year’s event postponed due to the coronavirus lockdown, for the first time in its history it will be organised virtually thanks to the Bkool platform.
“We’ve done everything possible to organise an Amstel Gold Race weekend in an alternative way,” said race director Leo van Vliet.
“With the virtual event we challenge everyone to take this on, both the touring cyclists and the pro riders. Fans can also enjoy the race as spectators.
“So it’s exactly what the Amstel Gold Race weekend is meant for.”
All you need to participate is an interactive home trainer and to have the programme which offers a 30-day free trial. So you don’t have to spend a thing.
“It will not be a race, but a joint tour. We opted for a course of 26km. This is not too long, but the challenge is there for sure because the vicious climbs from the final parts of the Amstel Gold Race are all there.
“A number of pros have already agreed to participate.”
At the moment it is unclear whether the actual event will still occur this year, but the organisers hope to obtain new dates from the UCI for both the men’s and women’s races.
