Enrico Gasparotto dedicates Amstel Gold win to Antoine Demoitié

Enrico Gasparotto has dedicated his victory in this afternoon's Amstel Gold Race to his team mate Antoine Demoitié, who died last month from injuries sustained when he was hit by a motorbike at Gent-Wevelgem three weeks ago today.

The Italian rider, who won the race in 2012 when he was with Astana, pointed skywards as he crossed the line at the end of the 248.7 kilometre race in tribute to the young Belgian.

Gasparotto, aged 34, had attacked from the main bunch on the final ascent of the Cauberg, swiftly passing lone leader Tim Wellens of Lotto-Soudal.

He was joined by the Danish rider Michael Valgren of Tinkoff, who initially sat on his wheel on the long, flat run-in to the finish after the top of the climb.

Gasparotto managed to get Valgren to take to the front however, and with the chasing group not managing to close the pair down in time, came round him for what is a hugely emotional win following last month's tragic events.

It's the first win of the season for the UCI Professional Continental team, but none will be more significant, and not just because it comes in a WorldTour race.

After his victory, Gasparotto said: "This victory is for Antoine Demoitié’s family. Today, I had an angel on my shoulder. When I thought about Antoine, I went faster.

The team's general manager, Jean-François Bourlart, said "After the tragic event of the last weeks, this victory will provide happiness and support to the whole team. It is Wanty-Groupe Gobert’s most beautiful victory since the creation of the team."