E3 Saxo Classic 2026: Van der Poel Aims to Bounce Back After San Remo Disappointment
Just days after the thrilling conclusion of Milan-San Remo, the cycling world turns its attention to the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, March 27, 2026. Whereas World Champion Tadej Pogačar will not be competing, reigning champion Mathieu van der Poel has a prime opportunity to position a challenging La Primavera behind him.
A History of Classics
The E3 Saxo Classic has earned its reputation as a proving ground for riders preparing for the Tour of Flanders. The race features a challenging course with numerous short, steep climbs and cobblestone sections, demanding strength and technical skill from the peloton.
The 2026 Route: A Test of Endurance and Power
The 2026 edition covers 208 kilometers, starting and finishing in Harelbeke. The route includes sixteen short climbs and several cobblestone stretches, promising a demanding race for classics specialists. The finale is slightly heavier than the previous year, with one fewer climb overall.
The race begins with a relatively flat section, passing through towns steeped in cycling history like Waregem, Wortegem-Petegem, and Oudenaarde. The terrain becomes more challenging after 75 kilometers at La Houppe, initiating a nervous phase with frequent short climbs. Key ascents include the Berg ten Steene and Oude Kruisberg.
A significant feature of this year’s course is the inclusion of the E3 Col Karnemelkbeekstraat and the Oude Kwaremont, appearing earlier in the race than usual. The Taaienberg, known for its steep start and long finish, will likely be a pivotal point where the race could ignite. The Boigneberg and Eikenberg follow, providing further opportunities for attacks.
The final critical phase features the Kapelberg, Paterberg, and Oude Kwaremont (on the traditional side). The race concludes with a second passage over the E3 Col Karnemelkbeekstraat and the Tiegemberg, followed by a relatively flat 20-kilometer run-in to the finish in Harelbeke.
Key Contenders and Potential Winners
Despite a disappointing Milan-San Remo, Mathieu van der Poel remains the top favorite. His condition following a finger injury sustained in San Remo will be crucial. UAE Team Emirates will look to Florian Vermeersch to lead their challenge in Pogačar’s absence.
Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek is a rider to watch, having shown strong form in Milan-San Remo despite a recent broken collarbone. Dylan van Baarle and Jasper Stuyven represent Soudal Quick-Step’s strength, while Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) will be making his debut in the Flemish classics.
Other potential contenders include Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike), Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost), and Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe).
- Date
- Friday, March 27, 2026
- Category
- 1.UWT | Men Elite
- Distance
- 208 KM
- Times
- 12:45 – 17:12
- Start Location
- Harelbeke
- Finish Location
- Harelbeke
Weather and TV Coverage
The weather forecast for Friday is favorable, with dry conditions expected. Temperatures will reach a maximum of 9 degrees Celsius, with a moderate west-southwesterly wind.
Tomorrow
VTM
HBO Max
Eurosport 1
(Eurosport)
