The Amstel Gold Race will be organised by Flanders Classics
From 2025, the Amstel Gold Race, the biggest cycling classic in the Netherlands, will be under new management. Flanders Classics will assume the role of race director and organiser from Leo van Vliet. Van Vliet, a significant figure, has been managing the intricacies of the Amstel Gold Race for nearly three decades. In the upcoming editions, Leo will still remain course director of the Amstel Gold Race while collaborating closely with Flanders Classics to ensure a seamless transition. In 2026, Leo van Vliet will bid farewell after 30 years of dedicated service, marking a significant chapter in the annals of Dutch cycling history. Leontien van Moorsel’s role will remain unchanged; she will continue to be the race director for the women’s edition of the Amstel Gold Race.
With Flanders Classics, Stichting Amstel Gold Race aims to expand the race. Els Dijkhuizen, who serves as the Marketing Director for HEINEKEN Nederland, parent company of Amstel which owns the Amstel Gold Race: "Flanders Classics, with its extensive experience in the cycling-crazy nation of Belgium, is adept at leading the way in the fast-paced and ever-evolving sports world. It is progressive and constantly evolving in terms of innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness. Together with them, we can further shape the much-loved Amstel Gold Race for both pros and riders of the tour version and the cycling festival for fans."
If you say Amstel Gold Race, you say Leo van Vliet. Some may remember him as a cyclist from a bygone era, but for the majority, he embodies the Amstel Gold Race. In 1996, he assumed the role of race director from the founder, Herman Krott ('Mister Amstel Gold Race') and took over the responsibilities of managing the course, the riders and the entire organisation. Van Vliet and the Limburg classic are inextricably linked. "We are deeply honoured that Leo will remain with us for the next three editions, continuing to guide us as he has done for nearly three decades. We are collaborating with Flanders Classics to elevate the Amstel Gold Race to new heights", said Dijkhuizen.
In all these years, organising a cycling race has become more complicated. Flanders Classics has proven itself as a high-quality organiser. Equally important, they share the same passion for cycling
Leo van Vliet: "When I took over Herman's role, he had organised no less than 30 editions of the Amstel Gold Race. I am nearing that same milestone; by 2026, I will also have 30 editions under my belt, matching Krott’s record. It seems like the perfect moment to retire. I am incredibly proud of the development we have achieved in those three decades. Consider moving the start to Maastricht, the finish to Valkenburg, changes to the course and the addition of a women's edition. The decision to include the tour version on the Saturday preceding the race was also well-received.”
“In all these years, organising a cycling race has become more complicated. Flanders Classics has proven itself as a high-quality organiser. Equally important, they share the same passion for cycling. These two attributes give me the confidence to entrust my cherished Amstel Gold Race to them. But rest assured, I am not gone just yet. We will work together on the upcoming editions and ensure a seamless transition.”
This represents a significant milestone for us; the Amstel Gold Race allows us to further extend our international adventure. Of course, we will preserve the unique nature of this race and maintain the distinctive character of the Amstel Gold Race
Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics, and Leo van Vliet are no strangers to each other. The two have exchanged views frequently in recent years and previously worked together on international media rights.
“This represents a significant milestone for us; the Amstel Gold Race allows us to further extend our international adventure. Leo van Vliet has an incredible track record and we are immensely proud to continue building upon his achievements. Of course, we will preserve the unique nature of this race and maintain the distinctive character of the Amstel Gold Race. I am very much looking forward to the coming years where we will collaborate and further develop the race with all stakeholders.”
Flanders Classics continues to work in collaboration with Roy Packbier and The PEPr Company from Maastricht, which have a long-standing association with the Amstel Gold Race.
