VALKENBURG, Netherlands, April 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Paula Blasi won the 12th edition of the women's Amstel Gold Race in Valkenburg on Sunday, stunning the favourites at the end of a 22-kilometre solo effort.

The two former Tour de France winners Kasia Niewiadoma and Demi Vollering were slow to react when the UAE Team rider launched her attack and finished half a minute behind the Spaniard in second and third respectively.

"It's incredible. I wasn't even supposed to ride this race," said a slightly bemused Blasi. "I got the call at the last minute to replace injured teammates."

Initially accompanied by Dutch rider Nienke Vinke for three kilometres, the 23-year-old Catalan went clear 22km from the line on the penultimate ascent of the Cauberg, stretching her lead to a minute with 10km from the line.

"I was yo-yoing a lot during the race, sometimes dropped in a very nervous bunch," said Blasi.

"So I chose to go on the attack to get out of this slightly crazy peloton. And it paid off. I'm going to need some time to process it."

The former triathlete and time trial specialist claimed her fifth professional victory and by far her biggest.

Blasi is one of cycling's great prospects, having been crowned European champion and winning bronze at the last U23 World Championships.

The Ardennes triple continues on Wednesday with La Fleche Wallonne.