Michał Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers) won the Amstel Gold Race. The Pole won over the Frenchman Benoit Cosnefroy (AG2R Citroen Team) on the line by just a few inches.
This is the second victory of 31-year-old Michał Kwiatkowski in the famous Amstel Gold Race. Previously, the Pole was best in the Amstel Gold Race 2015 and finished second in 2017.
Up to the last meters, the Pole rode right behind the Frenchman. Both cyclists, who led over the Peleton, watched each other closely. After a frenetic final, the two finally crashed to the finish line almost at the same time. At first, Cosnefroy was happy about the win and Kwiatkowski was very disappointed. After careful analysis of the photo, the judges decided that the winner of the 2022 race was the Pole.
“I think I was lucky. It was an exhausting finale. The last 50 meters were very difficult. It was not easy to wait for the judge’s decision. The win is incredible for me, especially because I missed the start of the season. I’ve had a cold lately and I’m happy to be able to compete here. I didn’t expect such a good result,” Kwiatkowski said in an interview with Eurosport.
It’s all about believing! What a feeling ? Great job Team ? Amazing ride @BenoitCosnefroy ?
Thank You everyone who stood by me! @INEOSGrenadiers ? @Amstelgoldrace pic.twitter.com/08b5m2nh2V
— Michał Kwiatkowski (@kwiato) April 10, 2022
Just that small one, promise ??@Amstelgoldrace @INEOSGrenadiers pic.twitter.com/bKcVDJxu5s
— Michał Kwiatkowski (@kwiato) April 10, 2022
??? Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers) Gana la Amstel Gold Race 2022 ?? #AGR2022 #AGR22 #Noticiclismo #Ciclismo pic.twitter.com/6bsyNlor5p
— NotiCiclismo ▶ ?? #TUR2022 (@Noticiclismo1) April 10, 2022
The Amstel Gold Race is the youngest of the Classics and is the only one located in the Netherlands. It began in 1966 as a 302km contest with Frenchman Jean Stablinski (Ford-Hutchinson) winning the inaugural title.