Van der Poel Favored at Harder 2026 E3 Saxo Classic Without Pogačar & Van Aert
Harelbeke, Belgium – E3 Saxo Classic promises a compelling test of endurance and tactical acumen, particularly in the absence of cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar. Mathieu van der Poel enters the race as the clear favorite, seeking a third consecutive victory on a redesigned course that organizers have deliberately made more challenging.
The 208.5km route, featuring over 3,000 meters of climbing, is being billed as a “mini Tour of Flanders,” a crucial stepping stone towards the Ronde van Vlaanderen on . This year’s edition features a double passage of the formidable Oude Kwaremont, coupled with the equally punishing Paterberg, ensuring a brutal finale that will likely separate the contenders.
Pogačar’s decision to skip the E3 leaves a void at the top of the field, but it also opens the door for others to challenge van der Poel’s dominance. The question now becomes whether his absence will elevate the racing, or simply clear the path for another victory for the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider. The debate over whether cycling is more compelling with or without its biggest stars is sure to intensify.
Van der Poel, though, appears focused solely on his own performance. Despite still feeling the effects of a hand injury sustained at Milan-San Remo last weekend – an injury that left him with bloodied and cut hands – he completed a reconnaissance of the course on , even testing out a novel handlebar setup. “The hand is kind of okay,” teammate Silvan Dillier told Cyclingnews. “I experience he still… he definitely feels it.” Despite the lingering discomfort, Dillier affirmed van der Poel’s status as the team’s leader, stating, “If it bothers him too much in a race situation, I don’t know, but when he’s at the start line in E3 he will be our leader, for sure, no doubt.”
The redesigned course introduces several key changes. The addition of the Keuzelingstraat early in the race, alongside the first ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, is intended to create an immediate selection. Later, the second passage of the Kwaremont, paired once again with the Paterberg in the final 40km, is expected to be the decisive moment. The Karnemelkbeekstraat, known as the E3 Col, will also feature twice, adding to the relentless barrage of climbs. Notably, the Muur is absent from this year’s route.
The final 70 kilometers are particularly demanding, with a succession of climbs – Taaienberg, Boigneberg, Kapelberg, Paterberg, and Tiegemberg – designed to exhaust the peloton. The Tiegemberg, topping out with 19km remaining, will provide a final opportunity for attacks before the run-in to the finish at Forestier Stadium in Harelbeke.
The absence of both Pogačar and Wout van Aert significantly alters the race dynamics. Without Pogačar’s penchant for long-range solo attacks, and van Aert’s consistent, grinding pace, the race is likely to unfold differently. Their absence doesn’t guarantee a victory for van der Poel, but it undoubtedly increases his chances.
Looking beyond van der Poel, riders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Jasper Stuyven (Soudal Quick-Step), Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling), and Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM) will be looking to capitalize on the opportunity. A strong performance from any of these riders could signal their readiness for the challenges of the upcoming cobbled classics, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
Van der Poel’s motivation extends beyond simply winning the E3. A victory would serve as a powerful statement ahead of his anticipated showdowns with Pogačar at Flanders and Roubaix, reinforcing his claim as the dominant force in the cobbled classics. He’s aiming to match Tom Boonen’s record of five E3 victories.
The race begins in Harelbeke at , with the finish expected around . Organizers anticipate an aggressive race from the outset, with a large group unlikely to contest the win in the final kilometers. The redesigned course and the absence of key rivals have set the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable E3 Saxo Classic.