Places of honor in Amstel Gold Race (WT)

Superb Gilbert too strong for Leukemans and Hoogerland

In the final of the Amstel Gold Race the team of Vacansoleil-DCM was represented by two
riders: Björn Leukemans and Johnny Hoogerland. Hoogerland opened the final with an
attack on the Gulperberg. A little bit further, on the Eyserbosweg, a leading group was
created with almost all of the favorites.

"The team was very strong today", said Leukemans. "At the end Johnny did a great job for
me. On the Cauberg, finally, it is a battle from man to man for the victory. After 260 KM
everybody has suffered. The Cauberg does not lie", said Leukemans after his 7th place.

Hoogerland looked back to a twelfth place in a creditable race in the south of Limburg. "I'm
doing well," he concluded. "When thirteen men drove away, I could just pick on my wagon.
With 'Leuki' there, we were in two. Then you have to make choices as a team. I have chosen
to work for Leukemans. I think we did well. Unfortunately the result is not a place on the
podium, but the prospects for Liege-Bastogne-Liège are good."

Many eyes were focused on Wout Poels as well, the talent of Vacansoleil-DCM. The guy
from the north of Limburg arrived six minutes later than the winner at the finish line (82 nd). "It
went very well," said Poels after the race. "I was constantly at the front thirty or forty riders.
Just before the Eyserbosweg I had to let the first group go. I would rather be involved in the
final, but before I must gain some more hardness, I think. Wednesday is the Flèche Wallonne
and that is a lot shorter. I hope to show something beautiful then."

Marco Marcato ended the Amstel Gold Race as 26th. "I had a difficult moment at the
Eyserbosweg", he told. "With some other riders I almost closed the gap to the main group
with the favorites. We only missed them by a couple of meters unfortunately.”

The Italian rider was earlier in the race helped by teammate Rob Ruijgh with his wheel.
However the neutral support car has passed the Limburger without assisting him. The jury
then found that Ruijgh did get too much support from the Vacansoleil/DCM team car and
disqualified him. "Normally it is tolerated when you accept some support after a puncture. I
think this decision is really ridiculous."