Harelbeke, Belgium – Mathieu van der Poel will headline the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, March 27, 2026, as he aims for an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the challenging one-day race. The event, often dubbed the “mini Tour of Flanders,” serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the upcoming cobbled classics season. However, the field will be notably diminished with the confirmed absences of several top contenders, including Tadej Pogačar, Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, and Filippo Ganna.
The E3 Saxo Classic, known for its grueling climbs like the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, closely mirrors the terrain of the Tour of Flanders, making it a key race for riders preparing for cycling’s first monument. Van der Poel’s participation was confirmed as he continues his strong start to the spring classics campaign. He recently took the time to personally scout the course, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to assess the iconic Oude Kwaremont, according to reports from Sporza.
Van der Poel’s dominance in recent years has been striking. He secured back-to-back wins in 2025 and 2026, demonstrating his exceptional power and tactical acumen on the challenging Flemish roads. In 2025, he launched a decisive long-range solo attack, besting Mads Pedersen to claim the title. His 2026 victory saw him respond to an attack by Pedersen on the Taaienberg before establishing a commanding lead on the Oude Kwaremont, ultimately finishing over a minute ahead of his closest competitor. Filippo Ganna rounded out the podium in that race, finishing more than two minutes behind Van der Poel.
The absence of Pogačar and van Aert, both previous winners of major classics, significantly alters the race dynamic. Van Aert claimed victory in both 2022 and 2023, even besting Van der Poel and Pogačar directly in 2023. Their non-participation leaves Van der Poel as the clear favorite, but the race is far from a foregone conclusion.
Mads Pedersen, who finished second to Van der Poel in 2025, will undoubtedly be looking to challenge for the win. The Lidl-Trek rider has consistently proven his strength in the cobbled classics and will be eager to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the absence of the top contenders.
The E3 Saxo Classic is known for its demanding course profile, featuring numerous short, steep climbs and stretches of cobblestones. The race typically favors riders with strong climbing abilities and technical skills. The 2026 edition is expected to follow a similar pattern, testing the riders’ endurance and resilience.
While the exact route details for the 2026 edition have seen slight modifications, the core elements that define the E3 Saxo Classic remain intact. The inclusion of the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont ensures that the race will continue to provide a stern test for the riders.
The race’s difficulty is highlighted by its ratio of climbing meters to total distance, making it the toughest event in Flemish Cycling Week when judged by that metric. This makes it a critical component of most riders’ spring campaigns, serving as a vital preparation race for the Tour of Flanders, which follows just days later.
With Pogačar, van Aert, and Pidcock all absent, the pressure falls squarely on Van der Poel to deliver another dominant performance. However, the E3 Saxo Classic is a notoriously unpredictable race, and surprises are always possible. Pedersen will be a key rider to watch, and other contenders will be looking to seize the opportunity to make their mark.
The E3 Saxo Classic is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 27, 2026. Fans can follow the race live through various sports broadcasters and online streaming platforms. The race is expected to begin at approximately 11:15 CET (Central European Time).
Following the E3 Saxo Classic, the focus will quickly shift to the Tour of Flanders, the most prestigious of the cobbled classics. Van der Poel’s performance in the E3 Saxo Classic will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into his form and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
