Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Amstel, Fleche, and Why Liège Is the Ultimate Test

VALKENBURG, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 19: (L-R) Kasia Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto on second place, race winner Paula Blasi of Spain and UAE Team ADQ and Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ on third place pose and celebrate with a beer on the podium ceremony after the 12th Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2026 - Women's Elite a 158.1km one day race from Maastricht to Valkenburg / #UCIWWT / on April 19, 2026 in Valkenburg, Netherlands. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images)

In this episode of the SBS Cycling Podcast, Christophe Mallet, Grace Brown and Dave McKenzie unpack the drama of the Ardennes, celebrate breakthrough rides, and look ahead to what these races mean for the season and for Australian cycling.


The team reflect on Amstel Gold Race, where Remco Evenepoel produced a tactically superb victory that highlighted his maturity, patience, and growing authority in the peloton. The hosts break down how timing, positioning, and race intelligence made the difference on a course that rewards both strength and strategy.

Attention then turns to the women’s race and the eye catching win by Paula Blasi. Grace Brown explains why this result matters beyond the podium, pointing to the confidence it gives young riders and the signal it sends about the depth of emerging talent in women’s cycling.

Looking ahead to La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the trio discuss recovery, race planning, and the mental load of the Ardennes block. They also reflect on the possible departure of Gerry Ryan from sponsorship, and what that could mean for the next generation of Australian riders.


Share

SBS Sport Newsletter

Sign up now for the latest sport news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS Sport

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our sport podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS Sport

Sport News

News from around the sporting world

Watch now