A worthy farewell: beautiful tribute from Van der Poel and co for Leo van Vliet

Van Vliet himself stood on the start line of the Amstel Gold Race several times during his own racing career. His best result came in 1978, when he finished eighth in the edition won by Jan Raas. After retiring, he came into the picture in the 1990s as the successor to Herman Krott as race director, a role he officially took over in 1996. Since then, Van Vliet has been almost impossible to separate from the race, but from 2027 onward, Tom Dumoulin will take over his position.

That is why a number of legendary former winners and participants took the time to offer him a few warm words. Among them was Mathieu van der Poel, the unforgettable winner of the 2019 edition. He is not racing this year — he can be found on the golf course instead — but he still had a classy message for Van Vliet.

“Enjoy your final Amstel Gold Race as race director on Sunday,” Van der Poel said in a video on social media. “It is a beautiful race, one I will always cherish, with incredibly fond memories.”

Philippe Gilbert, often regarded as Mister Amstel Gold Race thanks to his four victories in the Dutch classic earlier this century, also took a moment to say farewell. “Here we are, the final day of your career as race director. Congratulations,” the Belgian said.

Jan Janssen never managed to win the Amstel Gold Race. A twelfth place in his final year as a professional was his best result in the Dutch classic. But the Tour de France winner also wanted to add his voice to the tribute. “It deserves a big round of applause. As race director, you have been top class. Thirty fantastic editions, which form a lasting chapter in the history of international cycling. Leo, thank you for everything.”

The Netherlands’ other Tour de France winner also had a few words for Van Vliet. Joop Zoetemelk did win the Amstel Gold Race, doing so in his final year as a professional cyclist, when he was already forty years old. “The Amstel Gold Race is the most beautiful Dutch classic. This is your last one, your thirtieth. I hope everything goes well, and that you will not get bored. You have enough to keep you busy.”

Michael Boogerd, Walter Planckaert, Erik Dekker and Frans Maassen also addressed Van Vliet, all winners of the Amstel Gold Race. It just goes to show what a history the Amstel Gold Race has, and how much of it was due to Leo van Vliet.