Niewiadoma out to defend Amstel Gold Ladies title

Polish star Katarzyna Niewiadoma is determined to defend her 2019 Amstel Gold ladies title and says the race will be decided on the final climb of the Couberg.

Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland Source: Velo

The 26-year-old powered up the Cauberg to take victory by the finest of margins ahead of Dutch great Annemiek van Vlueten.

The cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Amstel Gold Ladies race means Niewiadoma goes into this year's race as reigning champion, and she is driven more than ever to defend her title. 

Niewiadoma says she will need to rely on her Canyon-SRAM team to help her win what is set to be a difficult race.

“To win you have to have a good team, strong legs, a lot of luck, and committed teammates who are not afraid to race. You have to be alert and attentive for the entire course. Anything can happen on those circuits and there are quite a lot of important moments to be ready for, and to create," Niewiadoma said.

Canyon-SRAM will field a team that also includes Alena Amialiusik, Elise Chabbey, Tiffany Cromwell, Mikayla Harvey and Alexis Ryan

The race 116km race will set off from Valkenburg with riders doing an opening lap of 15 kilometres before doing six laps of a 16.9km circuit which include the Bemelerberg and Cauberg climbs.

While Niewiadoma will be one of the favourites for the race, keep an eye on Aussie hope Amanda Spratt for Team BikeExchange.

The 33-year-old was on the podium at the Amstel Gold in 2018 when she finished third.

Spratt finished 11th in 2019 and will be pushing to be on top of the podium this time around.

Catch all the action from the Amstel Gold Ladies from 7.05 pm Sunday LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and SBS on Demand.

The men's Amstel Gold is also on from 10 pm Sunday on SBS VICELAND and SBS on Demand.