On this almost 100km long tour, you follow in the footsteps of the only Dutch spring classic, the Amstel Gold Race, which finishes in neighboring Valkenburg above the legendary Cauberg. The Amstel Gold Race is characterized by constant ups and downs, narrow dirt roads, constant changes of direction and the famous up to 20% steep "Hellingen", which bring about the selection for the professionals every spring. Anyone who thought that it was only flat in our Dutch neighbors is very much mistaken. On the trail of the spring classic, not only the longest climb in the Netherlands (Camerig) and the highest point (Vaalserberg), but also the steepest mountain (Keutenberg) with gradients of up to 20% have to be conquered.

In addition to the sweat-inducing ups and downs on the almost traffic-free country lanes, the landscape always offers varied views, beautifully situated villages with buildings made of the marl sandstone typical of the region and much more.

The starting point of this tour is the Dreiländerpunkt on the Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands. From there, take the descent towards Vaals, where you turn off towards Holset / Vijlen at Kasteel Vaalsbroek. Here the road undulates through pastureland to Vijlen, the only "Dutch mountain village".In the middle of the village, the route turns left and descends on narrow, winding roads amidst typical villages into the Geul valley, where we turn onto the original route of the cycling classic and tackle the final kilometers of the race with its successive climbs up to the Cauberg.

The first climb on the program is the Gulperberg, which is tackled in Partij and whose steep descent leads to the center of Gulpen. Gulpen, or rather the Gulp valley, is a true brewery mecca, with several breweries located here that can also be visited.In view of the further course of the tour, however, you should opt for a non-alcoholic and isotonic option when stopping for refreshments here. From Gulpen, the route continues along the Rijksweg to Nijswiller, from where the famous steep "Hellingen" follow in quick succession, reaching their finale on the Cauberg. The Kruisberg or Botterweck is a steep start before an equally steep, fast descent takes you down to Eys, where you have to conquer the Eyserbosweg. At the foot of the Eyserbosweg is a highly recommended café, which has already been voted the most beautiful terrace in Zuid-Limburg.

Once at the top of the Eyserbosweg, the route now follows narrow country lanes towards Elkenrade, where one of the fastest descents in the region leads to the foot of the Fromberg, a hill that is unique to the region as a wine-growing hill. Although the gradient is moderate compared to the previous climbs, the Keutenberg is next on the program, so you should save your strength. The Keutenberg is considered the steepest hill in the Netherlands with gradients of over 20% and it is advisable to use a small gear ratio. Once you seem to have reached the top, the climb continues slightly uphill and it is not uncommon for attacks to take place here during the pro race, leading to the formation of small groups. The route continues undulating on the high plateau until you reach Sibbe, where you descend the Sibbergrube and reach Valkenburg.

Valkenburg is certainly a highlight for every cyclist with the Cauberg, which is not only the final climb and finish of the race, but has also hosted the World Championships for professional cyclists three times. At the top, there is even a real pass sign inviting you to take a photo before you roll the last 2 km to the finish line of the race in Vilt. Now you may not even have half of the lap in your legs, but the difficulties are all over and you can easily understand why the Amstel Gold Race is one of the most important spring classics.

The way back is now also over parts of the original route, which the pros have to master in the first 200km of the race. Although the Geulhemmerweg and the Bemelerberg, which were integrated into the final lap of the World Championships in 2012, still have to be ridden, the route is then almost 15km undulating and through beautiful villages typical of the region to the foot of the Loorberg in Slenaken. In addition to the steepest mountain in the Netherlands, which has already been ridden, the next superlative is now ticked off: the Camerig is the longest climb in the Netherlands at 4.2km and 183m.

On the descent, we turn right in the valley and ride up towards the old customs office to the "Pass of Wolfshagen" before descending to Gemmenich, from where we tackle the final climb up to the Dreiländerpunkt.