Vos is very pleased following a strong team performance in Paris-Roubaix. “A sense of pride is what stands out most, especially regarding the way we raced as a team,” begins the 37-year-old Vos. “We truly rode as a  team. Pauline rode an incredibly strong race. I’m also happy with my own performance and the feeling I had crossing the finish line. From the start, we were well-positioned in the race. It’s great to race like that and still be in the mix deep into the finale.”

This year’s Amstel Gold Race promises to be tougher than previous editions, with a longer course and no fewer than 22 climbs. “It may sound like a cliché, but as a Dutch rider, racing the Amstel on home soil is something really special,” says Vos. “I have good memories of the Cauberg, with so many spectators alongside the course. It truly gives you goosebumps.”

Vos, who already won the race twice before,  and is looking forward to Sunday: “I’m happy with how I’ve felt in recent weeks, and I hope to carry that into the Amstel Gold Race. As a team, we’ve already shown great things this spring, and I believe that’s really where our strength lies: approaching the race together, supporting one another, and reaching the finale as a unit. Hopefully, we can build on that again this Sunday.”

Teamwork is crucial in a race like the Amstel. With all the twists and turns, good positioning and cooperation are essential — something the team has handled well in previous races. According to Vos, the collaboration with the team as a whole is a key asset. “We have a good feel for each other and can quickly adapt to the race situation. In a race like the Amstel Gold, there’s often a breakaway that plays a decisive role. It’s up to us to keep that under control and be ready as a team to respond to different scenarios.”

The team for Sunday consists of a mix of experienced riders and young talent. One of those young riders is Marion Bunel, who is ready for her Amstel Gold Race debut following a high-altitude training camp. She will already line up for De Brabantse Pijl on Friday. “The altitude camp went very well. Thanks to the team’s support, we were able to train excellently,” says the young French talent. “In the Amstel, I hope to be in good shape to support the team as best I can.”

For Bunel, the Amstel Gold Race is an important stepping stone toward the upcoming races. “We did a recon on Wednesday morning. With all the short and steep climbs, it will be a tough race for me. The positioning and intense efforts required will help me improve for the races ahead.”

The line-up for the Amstel Gold Race includes Marianne Vos, Marion Bunel, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Sophie von Berswordt, Viktória Chladoňová, and Femke de Vries.