E3 Saxo Classic - News
E3 Saxo Classic, first held in 1958 and long known as E3 Harelbeke, is one of the defining races of the Flemish spring and is often seen as a dress rehearsal for the Tour of Flanders. With its relentless sequence of short climbs and cobbled sectors, including icons such as the Taaienberg, Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, the race consistently rewards explosive classics specialists. While the route has evolved over time, its core identity has remained unchanged, favouring aggressive racing and early selection rather than waiting for a sprint.
News
Attack or restraint: Van der Poel holds back as Van Aert eyes aggressive Gent-Wevelgem return
Human after all: What does Van der Poel's E3 win mean for the Tour of Flanders?
Video: Zingle disqualified after controversial tow by team car at E3 Saxo Classic, Plugge handed yellow card
Viral ‘sticky bottle’ incident at E3 Saxo Classic sparks apology from Visma | Lease a Bike
‘There was only one way left to win it’ – Inside Van der Poel’s dramatic E3 Saxo Classic triumph
'It was bizarre' - Chasers' gamble backfires as Van der Poel hangs on at E3 Saxo Classic
Mads Pedersen left frustrated at E3 Saxo Classic as numbers game costs Lidl-Trek chance
'It cost blood, sweat and tears' - Van der Poel pushed to the limit in thrilling E3 Saxo Classic finale
Result E3 Saxo Classic 2026: Van der Poel seals victory with a 42 km solo in a tight finish
Van der Poel spectacularly holds off chase group to complete E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick
How to watch the 2026 E3 Saxo Classic: Streaming and TV by country
E3 Saxo Classic 2026 preview - Van der Poel targets hat-trick as double Kwaremont ascent added
'Tadej is Tadej' - Why no E3 is no problem for Pogacar with Flanders in mind
Five riders to watch at the E3 Saxo Classic 2026 beyond the usual suspects
2026 E3 Saxo Classic start list - Van der Poel and Pedersen headline the 'mini Tour of Flanders'
Five value picks for your E3 Saxo Classic cycling fantasy team
Isaac del Toro ruled out of E3 Saxo Classic after start list confusion
Confirmed: Van Aert to skip E3 Saxo Classic after Sanremo podium
Tom Boonen returns to Soudal Quick-Step fold for E3 Harelbeke
Isaac del Toro added to E3 Saxo Classic start list, set for cobbled debut?
E3 Saxo Classic reveals tougher finale with double ascent of Oude Kwaremont
When was the first edition of the E3 Saxo Classic held?
The inaugural edition took place in 1958 and was won by Belgian rider Armand Desmet.
How did the E3 Saxo Classic come into existence?
The race was created in 1958 by the Hand in Hand cycling club in Harelbeke. It was originally named E3 Prijs Harelbeke, referring to the European E3 highway that once connected Antwerp and Lille, highlighting the race’s regional importance.
Who has won the E3 Saxo Classic the most times?
The record for most victories is held by Tom Boonen, who has won the race five times, underlining has dominance in the cobbled classics era.
What makes the E3 Saxo Classic unique?
The race stands out for its compact yet demanding route, packing many of the most iconic Flemish climbs into just over 200 kilometres. Its position on the calendar, shortly before the Tour of Flanders, makes it a key indicator of form among the top contenders.
Where is the E3 Saxo Classic held?
The race takes place in Flanders, Belgium, with both the start and finish traditionally located in Harelbeke.
