Organizers of the Amstel Gold Race, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 19, have announced that a virtual version of the race will take place on Sunday.

The virtual Amstel Gold Race will take place on the same BKool platform that hosted the Virtual Tour of Flanders and will feature 26 kilometers of real racing. The Kruisberg, Iserbosweg, Fromberg, Küttenberg, and Cauberg ascents will all be included.

However, instead of a straight race between professionals as in the Virtual Tour of Flanders, the Virtual Amstel Gold Race is open to ordinary riders as well as professionals.

"We did everything we could to continue the Amstel Gold Race weekend in a different way," race director Leo van Fleet told Wielerflits (open in new tab). The Virtual Amstel Gold Race will focus on all touring cyclists and professional riders alike who want to challenge themselves."

"Fans can also have fun. In other words, that's exactly what the Amstel Gold Race weekend is all about.

There are three Sunday start times to choose from: 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. (all Central European Standard Time). Meanwhile, BKool offers a free 30-day trial, allowing potential riders to register and participate in the virtual Amstel Gold Race without having to pay.

"This is not a competition, it is co-cycling. 'It's like the final of the Amstel Gold Race, because all the vicious climbs are there. Many professional riders have agreed [to participate], and the initiative is supported by the Dutch National Lottery's Oranje Peloton."

"The event will be held at the Amstel Gold Race in the Netherlands.

It has not yet been announced which pro riders will participate, but big names are expected after the success of the Virtual Tour of Flanders. The race was won by Greg Van Avermaat, with other participants including Remco Evenpol, Michael Matthews, and Wout Van Aert.