Confirmed by Sporza, Sagan will take to the start line of Amstel for the first time since 2013. Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) also chose a similar schedule.
Route changes over the past few years that relocated the finish away from the top of the Cauberg climb has made racing the Dutch classic more alluring. The riders cover multiple loops and circuit in the hills in the far south of the Dutch province of Limburg with no fewer than 35 climbs.
Sagan will face tough competition especially from the likes of Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors) who has managed to win the race four times, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) or Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors).
The world champion has taken part in the Amstel Gold Race on the three previous occasions, including a third-place finish in 2012.
Sagan’s participation in any Ardennes Classics beyond Amstel is highly unlikely. Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Fleche Wallonne often suit climbers who are much lighter than Sagan.
