Pinarello Q36.5 showcases strong Team unity in demanding Amstel Gold Race
At the Amstel Gold Race, the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team faced one of the most demanding one-day races on the calendar: 257 kilometres through the rolling roads of Limburg, featuring 33 climbs and over 3,000 metres of elevation gain. A race defined not only by its relentless profile, but also by ever-changing weather conditions, with sunshine and rain alternating throughout the day, adding an additional layer of complexity and physical stress.
From the outset, the race developed at a high intensity, with positioning and timing proving decisive as the peloton navigated narrow roads and repeated climbs. The team approached the race with cohesion and clarity, riding as a unit and responding well to the multiple race scenarios.
A key protagonist of the day was Xabier Azparren, who spent a significant portion of the race in the breakaway. The Spaniard anticipated the decisive move, positioning himself perfectly as the escape formed and contributing to keeping the team visible at the front of the race.
"The break went more or less where we expected, similar to last year. It was about being attentive and reading the race. After a few moves, we got away and it was a very fast day from the start. When it started raining, the pace increased behind and the tension rose. The breakaway got smaller and more selective. I felt good until the final selection, then I chose to save energy for Fleche and Liège. I’m happy to be regaining good sensations after a difficult period."
Xabier AzparrenAzparren’s effort was instrumental in shaping the team’s race, ensuring presence in the key early phase and allowing the team to manage resources behind.
In the finale, Marcel Camprubí was the first rider of the team across the line, finishing 25th in the main group, just behind the riders who went clear in the decisive phase. His ride reflected consistency in one of the hardest races on the calendar.
"With around 40 km to go, the race split with a front group and then us in a chasing group behind. The pace was incredibly high, especially on the final climbs. It’s one of the hardest races I’ve ever done. In the final climbs, you’re not pedalling with your legs anymore, you’re just pushing with whatever you have left. The changing weather made everything even harder, with crashes, stress and constant accelerations."
Marcel CamprubiThe team also had to manage setbacks during the race. Xandro Meurisse was involved in an early crash, fortunately without physical consequences, but was forced to expend significant energy to return to the peloton. Similarly, Sjoerd Bax faced mechanical issues that required a prolonged chase effort, impacting his ability to be competitive in the decisive phase.
Despite these challenges, the remaining riders delivered a solid collective performance, riding cohesively and demonstrating strong team spirit throughout the day.
The designated team leader, coming off an impressive second place at the Brabantse Pijl on Friday, was unable to express his full potential today. Given the race’s extreme demands and his recent return from a significant injury sustained at Strade Bianche just over a month ago, this outcome remains within expectations.
The team now looks ahead with confidence to the upcoming Ardennes Classics, building on the positives from today’s performance and the encouraging condition shown by everyone.
