Finish of Amstel Gold moved 2 km beyond Cauberg

[MattTuck]

Link to Article. (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/amstel-gold-race-to-finish-two-kilometres-beyond-the-cauberg)

What are the merits of keeping a course more constant vs. changing things? They changed RvV last year to include a finishing loop to improve the spectator experience, but in doing so took out the Muur...

Changing something from an uphill finish to a flat finish changes the character of the bike race, in my opinion. It changes the type or rider likely to win. Adding or subtracting a few sectors of cobbles wouldn't change the character of Paris Roubaix, but changing it's finish to somewhere not in the velodrome probably would, or adding a hill finish.

Should races even have 'character'? or should there be no expectation of continuity between years?

[MattTuck]

No, it is not too early to start discussing classics races. :hello:

[LegendRider]

I hope the Muur returns to Flanders. I think it should be included annually, but, at the very least, it should be in the race often like Mt. Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez is in the Tour.

I've always dreamed of being in the front row like these guys.

[cfox]

well Gilbert, an Amstel winner and specialist, won the worlds with the finish 1km after the Cauberg. I wonder if he would have lasted another k?

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Changing the finish to 2k past the Cauberg didn't really change the nature of the race at last year's World Championships. The strong man over the Cauberg (Gilbert) kept it rolling on the false flat to the finish.

Flanders, on the other hand...I like it better with the Muur. It just doesn't seem like Flanders without the Muur.

[ergott]

The final 10k of those classics should be consistent.

[azrider]

I've always dreamed of being in the front row like these guys.

So had I..................and when it happened, it did not disappoint. I would argue that, as a cycling fan, the bar at the top of the Muur "on" the day of De Ronde is as good as it gets. So far to date that day, that afternoon was my best cycling day (off the bike) ever.

[MattTuck]

The final 10k of those classics should be consistent.

I go back and forth. On the one hand, I agree with you. I like the continuity, plus I only have a limited ability to comprehend and remember the order of foreign named hills, so keeping them constant year to year helps me. It also says something about the racers themselves, if they are riding the same course every year, that connects to the history of cycling, and the racers that came before.

I also appreciate wanting to change things up. Belgium, Holland, etc. don't have a race like the Tour or Giro, that can show case miles and miles of different terrain and roads every year. So, they probably have a desire to show some new stuff every few years, try to keep it 'fresh'.

As far as protecting the 'brand' of the race, I think changing things (especially the finish) dilutes the brand, and changing things often probably makes the 'brand' more synonymous with route changes than tradition. This might not be bad, you just have to keep coming up with fresh/dynamic routes or flourishes and selling THAT as part of excitement of the race.

If you're going to try to be a 'traditional' race, I think you need to find a course that works and stick with it. Don't change it to increase the excitement (the racers will do that), or to make a VIP area near the finish more practical. You want the race to come first, and not compromise on that other stuff.

[crownjewelwl]

So had I..................and when it happened, it did not disappoint. I would argue that, as a cycling fan, the bar at the top of the Muur "on" the day of De Ronde is as good as it gets. So far to date that day, that afternoon was my best cycling day (off the bike) ever.

what are you dudes eating in the pic?

[azrider]

what are you dudes eating in the pic?

Beer and Brats. It was a limited menu but it was best damned Brat i'd ever had. SMothered in spicy mustard and finished with a pint of Jupiler

[maunahaole]

So, a full on sausage fest....

[azrider]

So, a full on sausage fest....

If that's what you're into i'm sure you would've been in heaven!!

.....but most were there for the race.

[maunahaole]

Trust me, I'm jealous. My wife cannot understand why I keep watching RVV videos repeatedly. But yet, she want to go to see the race. Looks like a great time. Encased meats are delicious and a mandatory byproduct of being in that part of Europe.

[Lovetoclimb]

I think this will really suit Sagan more than previously. I hope he wins.