E3 Saxo Classic 2026 overview
Date | March 27, 2026 |
Length | tba |
Start location | Harelbeke |
Finish location | Harelbeke |
Start time | tba |
Finish time | tba |
Category | WorldTour |
Previous winner | Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) |
Previous edition |
E3 Saxo Classic History
The E3 Saxo Classic - formerly known as the E3 Harelbeke, is a one-day cobbled Classic that had its first edition in 1958. The race was cancelled once in 2020 due to the coronavirus global pandemic and will have its 68th edition in 2026.
It is a lead-up race to the Tour of Flanders, falling mid-week between Gent-Wevelgem and Brugge-De Panne. Since 2012 the race has been part of the UCI WorldTour.
Tom Boonen holds the record for most wins with five between 2004 and 2012, breaking the previous mark held by Rik Van Looy who won four times between 1964 and 1969.
The E3 Saxo Classic is considered a 'mini Tour of Flanders' as it uses many of the same climbs and cobbles and is a major test for the contenders before the Tour of Flanders.
In 2024, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won a head to head battle with historic Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), attacking on the Paterberg with 43km to go and then holding off Van Aert in a pursuit match to the finish.
In 2025 Van der Poel grabbed the spotlight at E3 Saxo Classic, riding to a solo victory into Harelbeke. The Dutchman struck out over the Oude Kwaremont, 40km from the finish, and accelerated away from four riders who had been at the front with him.
Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) finished 1:07 behind and Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) was third at 2:05 back for third.
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'I would like sometimes to win' – Filippo Ganna edges closer at E3 Saxo Classic after dialled Ineos Grenadiers performance
Door open for Tour of Flanders participation for Italian after another strong Classics ride -
Mathieu van der Poel angered and calls out teams for unsportsmanlike tactics at E3 Saxo Classic despite solo domination
Dutchman says teams pacing full gas after half the peloton was caught behind early crash 'shows a real problem in cycling' -
Early crash and Taaienberg 'mistake' cost both Matteo Jorgenson and Wout van Aert at E3 Saxo Classic
'It just wasn't a good race' – Visma-Lease a Bike's ambitions totally undone by early crash that troubled both their leaders in different ways
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Early-race crash send four to hospital with concussions and fractures at E3 Saxo Classic
'A process for his treatment and recovery will be decided in the coming hours and days' says Soudal-QuickStep about Dries Van Gestel's fractures to elbow and wrist -
No Kasper Asgreen but same ambitions for EF Education-EasyPost at the Classics
'We're down one really strong rider, but the goals stay the same' says Neilson Powless -
How to watch E3 Saxo Classic 2025 – Streaming and TV information for Tour of Flanders test
All the broadcast information for one of the biggest cobbled Classics on March 28
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'A tried and tested recipe' – Wout Van Aert hopes altitude training can give him the edge on return to racing at E3 Saxo Classic
Visma-Lease a Bike leader clashes with va der Poel and Ganna on Friday -
E3 Saxo Classic extends title sponsorship deal through 2027
Cobbled race is one of few top-level spring Classics still independently run -
'Why not?' – Oier Lazkano not afraid to take on the best at the cobbled Classics
Basque produces thrilling day on the attack at E3 Saxo Classic with more to come at Flanders and Roubaix
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Visma-Lease a Bike can bounce back at the Classics, but will Matteo Jorgenson or Wout van Aert be the saviour?
'It's about staying calm and confident' says Head of Racing Grischa Niermann -
Rider behaviour, unsafe routes, or higher competition – why are the Classics so dangerous right now?
Riders weigh in on the recent crashes and incidents, and what can be done to improve safety -
From Team Sky to Wout van Aert - how altitude training revolutionised preparation for the Classics
Geraint Thomas and Ian Stannard on the pros and cons of Belgian’s Tenerife training camp -
Rivalry without end - Van der Poel and Van Aert's duel sets tone for cobbled Classics
The Big Two lead the way, but no shortage of challengers on the rocky road to Roubaix
