Preparations for high-stakes face-off between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert at E3 Saxo Classic: Essential insights
The one-day cycling race, E3 Saxo Classic, is set to return to the Belgian landscape on a sunny spring day. This annual event, named after a local trunk road (E3) and a sponsor (Saxo), is one of a number of Belgian one-day Classics that exist in the shadow of the Tour of Flanders.
The race, spanning a distance of 208.8km, starts and finishes in the Kortrijk suburb of Harelbeke. The terrain of this classic race is well-suited to several experienced riders, including Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), who won the green jersey in the Tour de France.
The E3 Saxo Classic features 17 classified climbs, including the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg, which provide a challenging and exciting course for the riders. Among the contenders for this year's race are Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek), and Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike).
Mathieu van der Poel, who won the Ename Samyn minor Classic and looked imperious at last week's Milan-San Remo, is the standout favourite for this year's E3 Saxo Classic. His recent form and suitability for the race make him a strong contender for the victory.
Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) has come close to winning major races multiple times in the past and could potentially win the E3 Saxo Classic this year. His combination of time-trial strength and classics experience makes him a standout contender for races like the E3 Saxo Classic, especially considering his recent top finishes in similar races.
Gianni Vermeersch and Silvan Dillier, both with multiple Tour de France participations and strong classics pedigrees as part of the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, are also expected to perform well in the E3 Saxo Classic.
Jasper Philipsen, known primarily for sprints but with several wins that season, and Neilson Powless, who is developing his one-day race skills and breakaway capabilities, are other riders with potential to contend based on their form and history.
Approximately a quarter of the peloton in this year's E3 Saxo Classic are first-time riders. Among these newcomers, Oscar Chamberlain (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is the youngest rider at 20 years and 47 days old. Joe Blackmore, crowned as the Rider of the Year on a certain website last season, will also be participating in the E3 Saxo Classic.
The E3 Saxo Classic serves as a prelude to Sunday's Gent-Wevelgem and has been held every year since 1958 bar 2020. This year's race promises to be a thrilling event, with a strong field of riders vying for the coveted victory.
Sports enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate the exciting challenges of the E3 Saxo Classic, a cycling event boasting 17 classified climbs, including the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg. This year's race, starting and ending in Harelbeke, is predicted to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring a variety of experienced riders, such as Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, Jasper Stuyven, and more, all aiming for the coveted victory.
