French Rider Benoît Cosnefroy Claims Podium for UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Amstel Gold Race
Amsterdam, 20th April, 2026 – French rider Benoît Cosnefroy of UAE Team Emirates-XRG continued his exceptional form in the Ardennes, securing a strong third place at the Amstel Gold Race, one of the premier classics in the cycling calendar. This result highlights UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s status as a top contender during the arduous Ardennes classics campaign.
The event covered a 257km route from Maastricht to Valkenburg, featuring a grueling 33 climbs across the stunning but punishing Limburg hills. The race was characterized by a relentless tempo from the very start, with a substantial early breakaway gaining ground before the chasing peloton increased its speed as the riders approached the critical final circuits. Notably, Marco Frigo (NSN Cycling) was the last breakaway rider to be reeled in by the fast-moving bunch.
The decisive action unfolded in the final 70 kilometers, with key challenges on the Loorberg, Gulperberg, and Kruisberg. Here, a select group of pre-race favorites, including Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull Bora hansgrohe) and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl Trek), forced a split. The pivotal moment arrived on the Keutenberg and the subsequent ascents, as the leading duo distanced themselves from the rest, setting the stage for a showdown between them.
Meanwhile, Cosnefroy stayed alert within the chasing group, though with little support from his fellow riders as the race splintered. Drawing on his experience, the Frenchman maintained his position through the challenging final circuits, including the crucial penultimate climb of the Cauberg, where the front of the race was firmly set.
At the finish in Valkenburg, Remco Evenepoel outsprinted Mattias Skjelmose to claim victory after their two-man move, while Benoît Cosnefroy showed superb timing to take third place in the reduced group sprint, crossing the line just under two minutes behind the leading pair.
The Ardennes campaign will forge ahead this Wednesday with the prestigious Fleche-Wallonne classic.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
