Amstel Gold Race 2026 men’s race LIVE – Remco Evenepoel up against defending champ Mattias Skjlelmose and a full force of French firepowerWilco Kelderman, the 35-year-old Dutch national champion from Visma | Lease a Bike, is eyeing a return to the Ardennes Classics in April 2027. Despite his extensive experience in stage races, Kelderman has seldom participated in these hilly spring classics. He has previously contested the Amstel Gold Race four times (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2021), the Flèche Wallonne four times (2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017), and Liège–Bastogne–Liège three times (2015, 2021, and 2022). His best result was a tenth-place finish in the 2015 Flèche Wallonne, won by Alejandro Valverde. (wielerflits.nl)
Kelderman expressed a desire to participate in the Ardennes Classics in 2027, stating, “I would like to ride the hilly classics again in April.” He emphasized the importance of a well-structured plan to ensure peak performance during these races. “I try to make a good plan so that I can have a good winter and be in top shape in the new year,” he added. Kelderman also acknowledged the strength of his team, noting, “We have many good and strong riders in our team.” (wielerflits.nl)
While Kelderman does not explicitly state his ambition to win these races, he conveyed a strong desire to be competitive. He mentioned that he aims to be in the attack and show himself during the races, highlighting the importance of demonstrating a high level to create opportunities for victory. He also expressed support for teammates who may be in better form, stating, “If he is better than I am at that moment, I also like to race for him.” Kelderman concluded by expressing hope that his high-level performance would lead to opportunities to compete for victories, possibly in the hilly classics. (wielerflits.nl)
An extensive interview with Kelderman is scheduled to be published on Wielerflits on Thursday morning. (wielerflits.nl)