Roman Kreuziger, Amstel Gold Race

“I just looked down and pedalled without thinking so much,” said Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Czech ace Roman Kreuziger upon winning the Amstel Gold Race. But the former Astana rider’s modesty does not tell half the story of the biggest one day victory of his career. Victory on the punchy re-routed course, which contained 34 climbs and 4000m of climbing was always going to be special, but Kreuziger chose the 33rd of those climbs to launch an attack which his rivals simply could not counter.

Having broken free from the peloton into the final 18.5km circuit of the race, the 26-year-old bided his time before attacking off the front on the Bemelerberg with seven kilometres remaining. Hitting the foot of the Cauberg with a 20 second advantage of his former breakaway companions, the Czech ace held on to his advantage despite the best efforts of world champion Philippe Gilbert who led an elite pursuing group behind him. And hitting the final 1.8km downhill stretch with a comfortable lead, Kreuziger ploughed on solo to earn a well-deserved victory.