Marco Frigo delivered an impressive performance on his Amstel Gold Race debut, finishing in the top 10 after a day defined by aggression and resilience on Dutch roads.
Amstel Gold Race once again proved why it is one of the hardest races on the calendar, with a demanding and selective race that split into multiple groups in the final phase.
Frigo was at the center of the action from the very start, forming part of the early breakaway of the day. The move initially featured a larger group before being reduced, with the Italian showing his strength by going solo and spending several kilometers off the front.
After more than 200 kilometers up the road, Frigo was caught with around 35 kilometers to go as the race exploded behind, with the main contenders making their decisive moves. Despite the intensity, he continued to fight and managed to stay in the second group on the road.
Ahead, the leading group rode clear to contest the victory, while the chase group, including Frigo, came to the line together to sprint for the remaining positions. Launching his effort from distance, the Italian opened his sprint early but held on to secure a top 10 finish.
It marked a standout performance from Frigo, who not only animated the race for the majority of the day but also delivered a result in his first appearance at Amstel Gold Race. His effort was further recognized with the most combative rider award.
Marco Frigo said: “We knew that fighting for position isn’t really my strength, so the plan was to stay at the front from the start and ride my own pace. After recon and seeing how the race has played out in previous years, it felt like the best strategy for me.
“Once I’m at the front riding my pace, that’s where I’m at my best, so I committed to that and made it all the way to the finish.
“I do have some regrets about the final. In the end, there was a good opportunity to get a result, but I didn’t manage it in the best way. I opened my sprint too early, and that’s something I need to learn from.
“Still, I think it was the right approach for me — to be at the front from the start and race to my strengths.”