Harelbeke, Belgium – Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech secured his third consecutive victory at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday, March 27, 2026, in a dramatic finish that saw him fend off a late charge from a determined chase group. The race, often dubbed the ‘mini Tour of Flanders,’ lived up to its reputation as a key proving ground for riders preparing for the upcoming cobbled classics season.
The 208.5km race, traversing the challenging terrain of Belgium, featured the iconic climbs of the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, testing the limits of the peloton. Van der Poel, a dominant force in recent years, initially launched a solo attack from the Boigneberg with 64 kilometers remaining, building a one-minute gap over his pursuers. However, a strong chase group consisting of Per Strand Hagenes, Florian Vermeersch, Stan Dewulf, and Jonas Abrahamsen steadily closed the gap in the closing stages, setting up a nail-biting finale.
“At one point, I didn’t have much hope left, but I just kept riding,” Van der Poel said, acknowledging the difficulty of the victory. “It’s one of my hardest-fought wins.”
A Long Solo Effort Nearly Undone
Van der Poel’s aggressive move came after responding to an earlier attack by Tim van Dijke on the Taaienberg. The pair briefly formed a small group before Van der Poel pressed on alone, catching the remnants of the day’s breakaway just inside the final 46 kilometers. He then powered clear on the Paterberg, seemingly setting himself up for a comfortable ride to victory.
However, the relentless pursuit of Hagenes, Vermeersch, Dewulf, and Abrahamsen began to erode his advantage. With just a kilometer remaining, Van der Poel’s lead dwindled to a mere 10 meters, and he appeared to momentarily falter, looking back at his challengers.
The chase group, however, hesitated, and a tactical standoff ensued. Florian Vermeersch, in particular, appeared poised to launch a final attack, but no one committed fully, allowing Van der Poel to regain his composure and hold on for the win.
Tactics and a Disputed Finish
The final moments of the race were marked by a degree of tactical indecision from the chasing riders, ultimately gifting Van der Poel the victory. Vermeersch, who had been instrumental in bringing the group back within striking distance, expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation.
“If it wasn’t for my flat tire, the race could have looked different,” Vermeersch stated. “However, I wouldn’t say I could keep up with Mathieu. I’m on the podium, but I race to win. That’s why I didn’t want to display my cards at the end. Tactics are part of cycling, I can’t be angry with the other riders.”
Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike) ultimately took second place, narrowly edging out Vermeersch (UAE Emirates – XRG) in a sprint finish. Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility) rounded out the top five.
Schwarzbacher Fails to Finish
Slovakian rider Matthias Schwarzbacher of EF Education – EasyPost participated in the race but did not finish.
Van der Poel’s Dominance Continues
This victory marks Van der Poel’s third consecutive win at the E3 Saxo Classic, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the spring classics. He previously won the race in 2024 and 2025 with similarly aggressive, long-range solo attacks. His performance on Friday suggests he remains a top contender for the upcoming Tour of Flanders.
The E3 Saxo Classic serves as a crucial warm-up for the Tour of Flanders, and Van der Poel’s victory sends a clear message to his rivals. The challenging course, featuring numerous cobbled sectors and steep climbs, closely mirrors the conditions riders will face in Flanders, making it an ideal test of form and tactical prowess.
E3 Saxo Classic 2026 – Top 10
| 1. | Mathieu van der Poel (NED) | Alpecin-Premier Tech | 4:55:14 |
| 2. | Per Strand Hagenes (NOR) | Visma-Lease a Bike | + 4s |
| 3. | Florian Vermeersch (BEL) | UAE Emirates – XRG | + 4s |
| 4. | Stan Dewulf (BEL) | Decathlon CMA CGM | + 4s |
| 5. | Jonas Abrahamsen (NOR) | Uno-X Mobility | + 4s |
| 6. | Tobias Lund Andresen (DEN) | Decathlon CMA CGM | + 24s |
Van der Poel and the Alpecin-Premier Tech team will now turn their attention to the Tour of Flanders, scheduled for next Sunday, March 31st. The race is expected to be a fierce battle between the top contenders, and Van der Poel will undoubtedly be among the favorites.
The E3 Saxo Classic provided a thrilling preview of the challenges to come, and fans can expect more exciting racing as the spring classics season continues.
What did you think of Van der Poel’s victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
