E3 Saxo Classic 2023 [FULL RACE]

March 24, 2023

E3 Saxo Classic 2023 – Harelbeke – Harelbeke : 204,1 km

Some bike races are named after former winners, finishing towns or the region in which they take place. Not this one. E3 Saxo Classic is named after a Belgian motorway that runs between Antwerp and Kortrijk – glamorous, right? First raced back in 1958, the E3 Saxo Classic is actually one of the younger Flandrian Classics, but it has wasted none of its time growing into one of the most prestigious one-day races on the calendar. Many cycling fans refer to this race as ‘The Little Tour of Flanders’, an apt nickname considering that both races have been won by a very similar set of riders and follow similar routes through Flanders. Like the Tour of Flanders and other Flandrian Classics, the E3 Saxo Classic follows a tried-and-tested route that twists and turns its way through Flanders, scrambling up leg-breaking climbs in the hilly areas of Oudenaarde and the Flemish Ardennes. Climbs like the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and Teigemberg all feature in this race. The Teigemberg falls last and often splits the front group before a flat and fast finish in the centre of Harelbeke.

Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) beat Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) to win the E3 Saxo Classic after a battle of the titans on the cobbled climbs of Flanders on Friday afternoon.

The three riders emerged after a searing attack into a crosswind from van der Poel with 60 km to race. Further attacks from Pogačar on the Paterberg and the Oude Kwaremont meant only the big three of the sport were left up front.

The triumvirate rode together to the finish in Harelbeke, where Pogačar tried an attack with 3.5km to race and lead out the sprint, but not even Van der Poel could match the Belgian when he attacked took the second of his back-to-back victories at E3 Saxo Classic.

The USA’s Matteo Jorgensen (Movistar) attacked from a chase group to finish fourth at 33 seconds.

It was put to van Aert that the race had created the most beautiful podium in the history of E3 Saxo Classic.

“I agree because I’m in the middle…” Van Aert laughed.

“It’s nice to win. It’s been a long while since I won a race on the road bike. I had a difficult preparation going into the Classics but I think I’m on the right way.”

Van Aert confirmed that he focused on winning the sprint finish once he, Van der Poel and Pogačar got away.

“Because of the strength of the leading group, it was hard to try something,” he said, hiding the fact he was almost distanced on the Paterberg.

“Tadej did two small attacks but I really wanted to focus on the sprint and stick to one plan. When there’s a group of just three rider’s it’s always hard to surprise somebody.”

Asked why he went so early in the sprint, Van Aert explained the dynamics of the final.

“I felt that I was the strongest in the sprint. The three of us started at about the same time. I soon felt that I had the upper hand, but it was still a long way off. Luckily the wind was in our favour,” he said.

“I’ve tried it a few times with a short sprint and that was disappointing. I always try to learn, that’s why I already went 250 metres from the finish line.”

Results :