A week and a bit ago, I was at the start of the Amstel Gold Race Ladies in Maastricht, before quickly moving on to the decisive Cauberg to take pictures of the day's action as it unfolded, and what an action it was! Halfway through the race, a strong group broke away. A crumbling peloton with the pre-race favourites was unable to catch up despite the scorching pace, and Chantal Blaak managed to win the race before Lucinda Brand, Amanda Spratt and Alexis Ryan. 

Amstel Gold Race start at Maastricht, with Lisa Brennauer and a Trek-Drops Rider

Lotta Leppistö (Cervelo Bigla) leads the break away over the Cauberg, Amanda Spratt and Giorgia Bronzini begind her.

World Champion Chantal Blaak attacking from the break at the Cauberg. Although this attack doesn't stick yet, a similar move later on will grant Blaak victory.

Anna van der Breggen with Olympic sleeve-bands in a strung out peloton on the Cauberg

Elisa Longo Borghini moving to the front of the chasing peloton where Katarzyna Niewiadoma is sitting

Coryn Rivera suffering out of the back of the peloton.

Riders of the British team Trek Drops

Despite the break already nearing the finish line, Kasia Niewiadoma pushed on with a scalding attack from the main bunch.

Anouska Koster trying to keep up on the Cauberg

Talitha de Jong and an Astana rider

Trusted Mitchelton Scott domestiques, Jenelle Crooks and Jessica Allen (above)