The Mini Tour of Flanders
The E3 Saxo Classic kicks off the run of major cobbled Northern Classics that includes Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. BikeRaceInfo Held in Harelbeke, it has been one of the most important Classics weekday races since 1958 — and in 2026 it gets a serious route upgrade.
The Route
The 68th edition takes place on Friday 27 March and features sixteen climbs over 208.5 kilometres. Cyclingnews But this year the route is tougher than ever. The 2026 edition includes both a second ascent of the iconic Oude Kwaremont from a different direction, as well as the race going twice up the E3-Col climb. BikeRaceInfo
The E3-Col is 1.2km in length with an average gradient of 6%, though some stretches are steeper at over 12%. BikeRaceInfo Having it twice in the final 35km makes this one of the hardest editions in years — and that suits the pure Classics specialists perfectly.
The Defending Champion
Mathieu van der Poel is the man to beat. In 2025 Van der Poel rode to a solo victory, striking out over the Oude Kwaremont 40km from the finish and accelerating away from four riders who had been at the front with him. CyclingStage He has already won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this season and is in the form of his life — if he lines up, he starts as the clear favourite.
Who to Watch
Mathieu van der Poel — Van der Poel was untouchable in the last two editions CyclingStage and arrives in peak Classics condition. The tougher route suits him even more than usual.
Mads Pedersen — Pedersen is among the top names in the startlist CyclingUpToDate.com and has unfinished business here after two consecutive runner-up finishes. Strong, punchy, and dangerous in any scenario.
Wout van Aert — Back to near his best after Le Samyn and Paris-Nice, Van Aert has the engine to go with Van der Poel on the climbs and the sprint to win if it comes to a small group finish. This is exactly the kind of race he targets.
Romain Grégoire — The young Frenchman from Groupama-FDJ has been quietly impressive this season and the harder route could play into his hands on the climbs.
Dylan van Baarle — A smart tactical rider who knows these roads better than almost anyone. Could be dangerous if the favourites cancel each other out.
The Verdict
The double Oude Kwaremont and double E3-Col make this the hardest E3 in recent memory. If Van der Poel starts, expect him to attack early and brutally — just like last year. The question is whether anyone has the legs to follow on the second time up each climb.
If Van der Poel is absent or saves himself for the Tour of Flanders two days later, this race opens up significantly. Van Aert and Pedersen would become co-favourites, with Grégoire a dangerous wildcard.
Either way, Friday 27 March promises to be one of the best races of the Classics season. Don’t miss it.
Result: Mathieu van der Poel won the 2026 E3 Saxo Classic for the third year in a row after a dramatic 64km solo attack. Read our full race recap here.