After missing out in the 2025 Amstel Gold Race, Remco Evenepoel is urged to change up his tactics

Remco Evenepoel will reportedly miss the 2025 Amstel Gold Race, a decision seemingly influenced by his recent tactical missteps in one-day races. This follows a CyclingNews report suggesting his Brabantse Pijl sprint victory over Wout van Aert in 2020 was a "poisoned gift," potentially reinforcing a flawed tactical approach for the Ardennes Classics. The implication is that his team, or perhaps Evenepoel himself, is reconsidering his spring calendar and race strategy.

This development is significant given Evenepoel's Grand Tour ambitions and his often-criticized one-day racing tactics, particularly in races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège where he's been a dominant force. While his power is undeniable, his tendency to attack from long range, sometimes without sufficient support or a clear follow-up plan, has led to spectacular wins but also notable failures. Missing Amstel suggests a strategic pivot, perhaps to conserve energy or refine his approach for other key targets.

Ultimately, Evenepoel's absence from Amstel Gold Race is less about the race itself and more about a rider finally acknowledging that raw power alone doesn't always win the tactical chess match.