Valter looks forward to his first Amstel Gold Race
Attila Valter is enjoying his first few months with Team Jumbo-Visma. He has been in the winning squad in each stage race he has ridden so far, supporting the leaders Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard. The Hungarian champion, who was present in the final of Strade Bianche, will have the opportunity to demonstrate his talent in the hilly classics starting with Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race.
“So far, all my expectations I had for this season have been exceeded,” the Hungarian said of his first few months with Team Jumbo-Visma. “With the help of the team, I have progressed a lot on both a physical and mental level. I have improved in all the areas we discussed last year before I joined the team. I am more consistent in my performances, which is great for the team and for me. Even if I’m not in my best shape, I can still perform well and do my job.”
The Hungarian champion is discovering his abilities together with his new team. The next steps in the process are the Amstel Gold Race, the Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. “For the last three years, I have been concentrating on the Giro d’Italia, so the Ardennes classics have never been on my schedule. However, many people have told me that they would suit me well. The team is also convinced I can handle these races, and I look forward to discovering them next week.”
"I lack experience on this course, but I can rely on a rider like Tiesj Benoot, who already has a lot of experience in these races"
Valter will be one of the leaders in Team Jumbo-Visma’s home race. The finish will once again be in Berg en Terblijt. Compared to last year, one passage on the Cauberg has been cancelled. The riders will now only climb the Valkenburg hill twice. The Bemelerberg is the final climb seven kilometres from the finish. “I lack experience on this course, but I can rely on a rider like Tiesj Benoot, who already has a lot of experience in these races. The competition is quite strong, and we have to think outside the box to compete for the prizes. Fortunately, we have proven time and time again we can do so.”
In addition to Valter, Team Jumbo-Visma’s line-up for the Amstel Gold Race consists of Tiesj Benoot, Jos van Emden, Lennard Hofstede, Gijs Leemreize, Sam Oomen, and Tosh Van der Sande.
