Despite a recent hand injury incurred during the Milan-San Remo race, celebrated cyclist Mathieu van der Poel is set to dominate the attention at the upcoming E3 Saxo Classic. Having previously clinched victory in this event for two consecutive years, and with several top competitors sidelined, Van der Poel is widely considered the leading contender. His participation injects significant anticipation into the race, raising questions about whether other cyclists will primarily be vying for second place.
Van der Poel's injury stemmed from a collision 32 kilometers from the finish line at San Remo, an incident that also involved the eventual winner, Tadej Pogačar. The crash left Van der Poel with lacerations to his left hand, impacting his grip on the handlebars. Despite the discomfort, he affirmed that the injury, though painful on cobblestones, would not impede his performance.
The Dutch rider has a history of achieving solo victories at the E3 Saxo Classic, with notable attacks 43 kilometers out in 2024 and 39 kilometers out in 2025, both initiated after the Oude Kwaremont climb. While the presence of fewer top rivals might suggest a straightforward path to victory, past events, such as his win at Omloop Nieuwsblad earlier this year under similar circumstances, indicate his capacity to overcome challenges.
Another prominent rider, Mads Pedersen, who finished second last year, is also competing while recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone. Pedersen expressed his primary goal for the race: to outperform Van der Poel, acknowledging the prolonged discomfort from his injuries but viewing the event as crucial preparation for subsequent major races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
The E3 Saxo Classic is an important precursor to the Tour of Flanders, featuring many of the same challenging cobbled climbs, including the Kwaremont, Paterberg, and Taaienberg. Van der Poel has historically launched his decisive attacks on the Taaienberg, a 700-meter climb with a 6.3% gradient. This year's 208-kilometer race includes 3,000 meters of elevation gain across 16 hills, with the Kwaremont being tackled twice, first via an alternative route, the Keuzenlingsstraat.
Beyond Van der Poel and Pedersen, other riders to watch include Biniam Girmay, Fred Wright, Florian Vermeersch, and Jasper Stuyven, each looking to make their mark. The E3 Saxo Classic promises to be a thrilling contest, setting the stage for the spring classics season.
The cycling world eagerly awaits the E3 Saxo Classic, where Mathieu van der Poel, despite a lingering hand injury, is expected to deliver a formidable performance. His track record and the absence of key competitors position him as the undisputed favorite, though the challenging course and the determination of other riders, including the also-injured Mads Pedersen, guarantee an exciting and unpredictable race.