Van der Poel claims E3 Saxo Classic win by outpacing Pedersen on Oude Kwaremont climb
The E3 Saxo Classic 2025 saw a thrilling conclusion as Wout van Aert snatched victory from Mathieu van der Poel in a dramatic final sprint.
The race, which covered 204 km and featured cobbled climbs reminiscent of the Tour of Flanders, began with a early crash that caused splits in the peloton. Despite this setback, the intensity of the race increased significantly with 80 kilometers to go, driven by Lidl-Trek and Ineos Grenadiers.
Mathieu van der Poel, fresh from his win at Milan-San Remo earlier in the season, took a significant lead over Mads Pedersen at the summit of the Oude Kwaremont, a decisive point in the race. This lead proved to be insurmountable for Pedersen, who finished second, while Casper Pedersen, Pedersen's teammate, claimed fourth place.
The race's final kilometres saw a fierce battle between the leading contenders. Pogacar led the charge but could not drop the sprinters Van Aert and Van der Poel. On the Paterberg, Mads Pedersen attempted to reduce the lead group, but only Van der Poel and Filippo Ganna were able to keep up.
A six-man chase group formed, including Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike), Josh Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers), Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek), Tim Wellens (UAE Emirates), Matteo Trentin (Tudor Pro Cycling), and Stefan Küng. This group, along with Mathieu van der Poel, Mads Pedersen, Filippo Ganna, Aimé De Gendt, and Casper Pedersen, formed the leading group.
In the final sprint, Van Aert outmanoeuvred Van der Poel to claim the victory, with a margin of over a minute separating him from the second-place finisher. Filippo Ganna completed the podium in third place.
The E3 Saxo Classic 2025 was a testament to the skill and determination of the world's top cyclists, with Van der Poel expressing optimism for upcoming races, including the Tour of Flanders. Despite finishing second, Mads Pedersen can take pride in his strong performance, while Casper Pedersen's fourth-place finish is a promising sign for the future.
[1] Source: CyclingTips, March 26, 2025.
Sports enthusiasts found thrilling moments during the E3 Saxo Classic 2025, as the race showcased intense competition and strategic gameplay. The high-speed event featured leading cyclists vying for top positions, showcasing their athletic prowess over an arduous 204 km course, which included cobbled climbs similar to the Tour of Flanders.
