Mischa Bredewold and Lorena Wiebes look ahead to the Amstel Gold Race

Team SD Worx–Protime is hoping to claim victory in the Amstel Gold Race, just like last year. The team lines up with defending champion Mischa Bredewold, former winner Anna van der Breggen, Lorena Wiebes, Steffi Häberlin, Blanka Vas and Nienke Vinke. “As a Dutch team, this is our home race. As a team, we will do everything we can to bring the victory our way,” say Lorena Wiebes and Mischa Bredewold.

Mischa Bredewold: “The Amstel Gold Race remains a very special race for me. I’m really looking forward to starting with number one. That truly gives you wings. Last year’s victory was the most meaningful of my career so far. It felt like a dream come true.”

“What made that win even more special was the fact that the weeks leading up to it were not easy. I had to press the reset button. I wanted to race freely and really play the game. In that race, everything fell into place. I knew what I had to do, I could make the right decisions and I had the legs. When everything comes together like that, it’s the best feeling there is. This year the feeling is much better. The start of the spring was a bit difficult, with bad luck and crashes, but since Dwars door Vlaanderen I’ve found my flow again. I have confidence. I’m heading into the Amstel Gold Race with the same mindset as last year: racing without fear, anticipating and riding freely. We have a very strong team at the start. Together, we’re going for the highest possible goal.”

Lorena Wiebes: “This is my home race. I know the entire course by heart. When I joined the team, I was asked what my favorite race was, and back then I already said the Amstel Gold Race. The fact that it’s so close to home makes it extra special. It’s one of the few Dutch races we still have. It’s challenging, yes, but I’ll do everything I can to ride the best race possible.”

“I’m really looking forward to starting in the red-white-blue jersey. I want to do everything I can to honor the jersey. The start list is incredibly strong. I’m preparing for a tough race, but I don’t want to focus too much on others. I’ll keep my focus on myself and the team and try to get the best out of myself. It will be crucial to get over the climbs. On top of that, we have Anna van der Breggen as another strong card to play, so we can share the pressure within the team. If I don’t feel at my very best, I know she’ll be there. We also have riders who can go up the road in a breakaway. In any case, I hope to do justice to wearing this jersey.”