Ben Healy's progress was evident throughout the spring, but the real breakout was the Amstel Gold Race.

All three podium finishers were part of a group that cleared with about 90km to go, and Healy and Pidcock were the last men standing when Pogachar began his real breakaway on the Eiselbosweg.

Pogachar overpowered Healy and Pidcock on the Coutenberg with 29 km to go, but the two teamed up and chased down the other side. Pidcock tried to shake off Healy in the final Kautenberg, but failed.

"I knew I had good legs and I knew I had to race smart to finish second to Pogacar today. Healy said after the race, "I knew I had a good leg and I knew I had to race smart to finish second to Pogacar today.

Indeed, Healy's late attack brought him within 20 seconds of Pogacar, but the Slovenian pulled away again shortly thereafter. The slipstream given to Pogacar by the race director's car caused irritation for EF director Jonathan Vaughters.

"The gap closed when I attacked a little bit, but he obviously had something up his sleeve. Healy said.

"It was pretty surreal. When you're racing with the best riders in the world and you can keep up with them, you think, 'Whoa, my legs must be good today. And when I dropped Tom, it was a very surreal moment."

The 22-year-old started the season with a strong ride in Challenge Mallorca and followed it up with two stage wins in Italy at GP Industria & Artigianato di Lalchiano and Settimana Coppi e Bartali.

Healy, who finished fifth in the Pays de la Loire regional tour, finished second to Dorian Godon in the Brabants Pile in midweek. With Nielson Powles still in the main peloton, Healy made a modest contribution when the decisive move began with 90 km to go.

"I think I was quietly confident," Healy said of his feelings.

"I raced very aggressively in Brabants, but here I knew there were some big names and I knew I could afford to miss a couple of turns.

Healy turned pro with EF last year after two seasons with Trinity Racing, and in his under-23 career has begun to show an aptitude for the big stage as a pro, with stage wins at the Tour de Lavenir, Ronde de Lisalle, and Baby Giro.

"Amsterdam definitely suits me, and I like rainy days," said Healy, who will be among the riders to watch in La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

Healy's run on Sunday, however, came as little surprise to the men who finished third.

"I know how strong Ben is. I raced with him at Trinity when I was younger and he helped me win Baby Giro. So I know how good he is."

"It may not come as a surprise to me, but it's nice to see him at the top.