Harelbeke, Belgium – The E3 Saxo Classic, a crucial precursor to the cobbled classics, is set to proceed this Friday without the presence of Wout van Aert. The Visma | Lease a Bike team has confirmed that the Belgian star will skip the race to prioritize his preparation for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. However, a brief and ultimately incorrect addition of Isaac del Toro to the UAE Team Emirates lineup added a layer of intrigue to the event before being retracted due to a communication error.
The decision regarding van Aert, a two-time winner of the E3 Saxo Classic (2022, 2023) and a four-time podium finisher in the last six editions, underscores a deliberate shift in focus towards the more prestigious cobbled monuments. He finished third in Milan-San Remo last Saturday, a result that seemingly solidified the team’s strategy. Visma | Lease a Bike will now gaze to Christophe Laporte to lead their charge on Friday, supported by a collective effort rather than relying on a single dominant rider.
Laporte, who finished second in the E3 Saxo Classic in 2022, will be supported by Edoardo Affini, Per Strand Hagenes, Axel Zingle, Filippo Fiorelli, Timo Kielich, and Owain Doull. The team is adapting to van Aert’s absence, shifting responsibility and emphasizing a team-based approach to the challenging course.
Del Toro Briefly on the Start List, Then Removed
A surprising development briefly emerged when Isaac del Toro’s name appeared on the preliminary start list for the E3 Saxo Classic, as reported by Wielerflits and subsequently confirmed by the race organization to Sporza. The addition of the young Mexican rider was unexpected, generating buzz among cycling fans and analysts.
The inclusion of del Toro appeared to fill a vacancy in the UAE Team Emirates roster created by an injury to Tim Wellens, who remains sidelined with a broken clavicle. Wellens’ absence opened a spot in the team’s lineup for the Flemish classic, and del Toro was initially slated to seize his place.
However, this initial inclusion proved to be short-lived. The organization later clarified that del Toro would not, in fact, participate in the E3 Saxo Classic, attributing the error to a “communicatiefout” – a communication error. This reversal leaves the UAE Team Emirates lineup in a state of flux, though no replacement for del Toro has been announced as of Wednesday.
The E3 Saxo Classic serves as a vital stepping stone towards the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders), and teams often leverage the race to fine-tune their tactics and assess rider form. Van Aert’s decision to bypass the E3 Saxo Classic reflects his commitment to peaking for the major spring classics, prioritizing focused training blocks over racing fatigue.
Van Aert explained that he took a “taper week” – a period of reduced training intensity – leading up to Milan-San Remo to ensure he was at his best. He now intends to continue this focused preparation, avoiding the potential strain of racing the E3 Saxo Classic and allowing for more intensive training sessions geared towards the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
What’s Next for Van Aert and the Classics Contenders
Wout van Aert is now scheduled to race In Flanders Fields (formerly Gent-Wevelgem) on Sunday, March 29, and Dwars door Vlaanderen on April 1, as part of his build-up to the Tour of Flanders. His absence from the E3 Saxo Classic places increased pressure on Laporte to deliver a strong performance and demonstrate his leadership capabilities within the Visma | Lease a Bike team.
The situation surrounding Mathieu van der Poel’s participation remains uncertain following his injury in a crash during Milan-San Remo. Alpecin-Premier Tech has yet to make a final decision on his availability for the E3 Saxo Classic, with an announcement expected soon. His presence would undoubtedly elevate the race’s profile and add another layer of competition.
The E3 Saxo Classic promises to be a thrilling contest, even without van Aert and potentially van der Poel. With Laporte leading Visma | Lease a Bike and other top contenders vying for victory, the race will provide valuable insights into the form and tactics of the key players as they prepare for the challenges of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Fans can expect a fast-paced, aggressive race over the challenging cobbled terrain of Belgium.
The race will be a key indicator of form for riders hoping to contend for victory in the upcoming weeks. The E3 Saxo Classic is known for its demanding course, featuring numerous climbs and stretches of cobblestones, making it a true test of strength and endurance.
The focus now shifts to Friday’s race and the unfolding dynamics within the various teams. The unexpected inclusion and subsequent removal of Isaac del Toro serve as a reminder of the fluid nature of professional cycling and the constant adjustments teams must make in response to unforeseen circumstances.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Wout van Aert is his participation in In Flanders Fields on Sunday, March 29. Fans can follow live updates and results on the official race website and through Archysport’s comprehensive coverage of the spring classics.
What are your thoughts on Van Aert’s decision to skip the E3 Saxo Classic? Share your predictions for the race in the comments below!
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