{"id":1848849,"date":"2026-03-26T10:29:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T07:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1848849"},"modified":"2026-03-26T10:29:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T07:29:25","slug":"tadej-pogacar-has-changed-e3-saxo-classics-status-but-it-remains-the-best-flanders-form-guide-a-closer-look-at-the-contenders-for-fridays-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1848849","title":{"rendered":"Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1920-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nE3 Saxo Classic\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-26T10:29:25Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Usual breathless, technical finale crammed with cobbled climbs in central and southern Flanders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Aim\u00e9 De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 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id=\"1bd0538b-e9c0-4f27-97c2-8ae86d5429a6\">A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away from the universe containing Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), there was an era when whatever happened in the E3 Saxo Classic was seen as <em>the <\/em>most reliable optic for success for what played out nine days later in the Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>While Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was considered too far away on the calendar and has never been won in the same year by the same rider who conquered De Ronde, the much closer Gent-Wevelgem (now In Flanders Fields) was always too much of a law unto its perpetually eccentric self and Dwars door Vlaanderen, now held on Wednesday, feels too straightforward (relatively speaking) and lowkey. E3 and Flanders have been won by the same rider in the same year no fewer than nine times since 1998.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1bd0538b-e9c0-4f27-97c2-8ae86d5429a6-2\">The key to it losing that status is Poga\u010dar. Just as almost every major one-day cobbled Classic (and a fair few others) has been re-shaped by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s propensity for long-range attacks, so there&#8217;s been a knock-on effect on the events where he&#8217;s not taking part, too, like E3 Saxo Classic &#8211; which Poga\u010dar has only raced once, in 2023. As a result, it&#8217;s become more of a general guide to Flanders form than a specific one, particularly this year, when the slightly weaker field is missing some of the key other players, like Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike). <\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That said, and to take last year, no fewer than five of the top 10 finishers in E3, also featured in the top ten of Flanders. And if 2025 Flanders winner Poga\u010dar wasn&#8217;t amongst the E3 participants last March, it&#8217;s not as if we really needed reminding he was going to be a factor nine days further on. So even if E3 isn&#8217;t quite as accurate a gauge of success as it used to be, it&#8217;s still a good form guide for the bigger event 10 days later for those who take part.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">E3&#8217;s role as a final testbed for Flanders hasn&#8217;t always been the case, though. E3 was first held in 1958, but only in its current form in the 1990s, when the mix of cobbled bergs and obscure Flemish rural backstreets made it so similar to Flanders. E3 is 60 kilometres shorter than the Ronde, too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The parallels these days are much clearer. All but two of the 16 ascents (one less than last year) and one of the 10 cobbled sectors (one less than last year) are in the final 120 kilometres of the 206 that comprise the route. Few cobbled Classics have such an intense, draining and drawn-out finale and the double ascent of the Oude Kwaremont (from different approaches each time) and going up the new E3-Col in Ronse&#8217;s Karnemelkbeekstraat, with stretches of 12%, will only add to the challenges. The usual final combination of the Varent cobbles and Tiegenberg climb, though, as well as a 20-kilometre run-in afterwards, remains a tried-and-tested last segment of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Even if E3&#8217;s status as a herald of Flanders is diminished, it remains an event in a class of its own.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"the-contenders-3\">The contenders<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"aa4bd12e-28e9-4d8a-a059-aed862bccb8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">E3 2025: Mathieu van der Poel claims the win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"cd51b683-40c3-48f5-b0eb-fd3f82cddc05\">Some doubts still hover around Mathieu van der Poel after his crash and finger injury in Milan-San Remo, and his fading in the final kilometres of La Primavera also sparked a few question marks. But should he turn up, there is only one stand-out favourite for this year&#8217;s E3 Saxo Classic and that&#8217;s the rider who&#8217;s won the race for the last two years and who&#8217;s never been off the podium in his four participations since 2021.<\/p>\n<p>2024&#8217;s victory and 2025 were taken in remarkably similar fashion, too, launching attacks 40 kilometres out, on the Paterberg in 2024 and the Aude Kwaremont in 2025. So no doubts that he&#8217;s got this race dialled. There are multiple reasons for this, but one is maybe that his bike-handling skills &#8211; which he used to stunning effect in Omloop this spring, avoiding a crash on the Molenberg after Rick Pluimers fell heavily right in front of him &#8211; are more than in tune with the never-ending technical demands of Harelbeke&#8217;s crunch final half.<\/p>\n<p>With the honourable exception of Jasper Philipsen, who was not present at E3, another rarely mentioned factor about Van der Poel is his excellent team support. Riders like Paris-Roubaix podium finisher Sylvan Dillier, the Swiss veteran who was part of a 200-kilometre breakaway in San Remo, can be invaluable assistance to the Dutchman before his usual devastating solo efforts. But so too could the likes of Tibor de Grosso, more than ten years Dillier&#8217;s junior and fast learning the ropes. Alpecin don&#8217;t have not such a roll call of <em>galacticos <\/em>as UAE Team Emirates do at their disposal, perhaps, but there are always a host of strong supporters.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Starting with Tadej means we always race for the win&#8217; \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad podium finisher Florian Vermeersch predicts usual Poga\u010dar fireworks on Saturday<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel rarely needs to make a statement, such as been his predominance in the Classics in recent years, but after his San Remo setback, this might just be the time when he opts to prove to the world that he&#8217;s not on a downwards trajectory form-wise after his injury. Or, looked at another way, you could say that if Van der Poel managed to keep Poga\u010dar in check for so long at San Remo despite not being able to hold his handlebars properly post-crash, then Friday&#8217;s ride across the cobbles may turn out to be a complete walk in the park for him, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"a8469d53-f1e7-4dbd-9bf4-d831875e4f28\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Milan-San Remo: Mads Pedersen sprints to fourth <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"19a59059-b574-4497-9aa1-20313bfe8a84\">Second in E3 last year, prior to a third win in Gent-Wevelgem (now In Flanders Fields), Mads Pedersen delivered a hugely impressive fourth place in Milan-San Remo last week on what was effectively his season debut. The record books will have his 2026 start date down as Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, of course. But after such a bad crash on stage 1 in Valencia, fracturing his collarbone and wrist, fourth place at San Remo six weeks later for the former World Champion represented something of a comeback for the ages.<\/p>\n<p>His morale will likely be climbing high as a result, but if he obviously has the endurance to handle 200 kilometres at E3, the question is more &#8211; can Pedersen really handle the much tougher terrain (and, potentially, weather) in Belgium than the smooth roads of the Ligurian coastline in San Remo?<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;d be tempted to say yes, of course, given how well he handled the torrential rain in Harrogate in a certain World Championships victory eight years ago. But after his injuries and long spell away from racing, this is no ordinary spring for Pedersen, so even after San Remo, E3 represents another big voyage into the unknown for the Dane.<\/p>\n<p>Should he be on form, there&#8217;s every chance he could be the rider who runs Van der Poel the closest, as was the case, together with Poga\u010dar, in Flanders and Roubaix last year. The forever ambitious Pedersen will be itching, in any case, to turn in a top performance on terrain that he knows even better than Van der Poel &#8211; he has raced E3 no fewer than eight times, twice as many times as the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, if Pedersen does need to take a back seat, then Lidl-Trek&#8217;s fast-rising Czech powerhouse Matthias Vacek is also out to make a name for himself after a quiet start to his Classics campaign &#8211; and Pedersen for sure would be happy to help the teammate who gave him so much support in last year&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-stuyven-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7fb57ab9-ee1d-48d2-ac5f-397dfe812483\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Stuyven (l) in Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7e4ca93b-f0ad-4363-a02c-9dc20e08abd7\">One of the most experienced E3 racers this year &#8211; he&#8217;s one of just four on the startlist with 10 participations alongside teammate Dylan van Baarle, Matteo Trentin (Tudor) and Luke Durbridge (Jayco-AlUla) &#8211; Jasper Stuyven&#8217;s second place in the 2024 edition of E3 represents his high-tide mark in the race to date. But in a sense his past participations barely matter, given his new role as the co-leader of a revamped, revitalised cobbled Classics team in Soudal-QuickStep, the home squad par excellence for these races. What&#8217;s more, Soudal&#8217;s star rider of yesteryear, Tom Boonen (present in the Soudal team car for E3 this March), remains the record holder for victories in E3, with five.<\/p>\n<p>As such, the former Lidl-Trek racer and Omloop winner is seen as the spearhead (together with Van Baarle) for a revival of Soudal&#8217;s Classics ambitions in the post-Remco Evenepoel era. It&#8217;s true that plenty of cautious notes have been struck about how their plans will take a good while to come to full fruition. But Stuyven will surely be wanting to make some kind of statement of future ambition, even if it doesn&#8217;t actually turn into full-blown success this year.<\/p>\n<p>Watching how he and Van Baarle &#8211; who has much the same mission, but has never cracked the top five in E3 &#8211; work together to try to pull something off will be an interesting sub-plot at the very least in this year&#8217;s E3. Or could it be something more?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasper-asgreen-ef-education-easypost\"><span>Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"19fcfbf9-3ac4-4016-b0c0-9045e8541a24\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Kasper Asgreen during the race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"ba39805d-27c5-4c96-b106-ef6af7c65ad1\">Five years feels like fifty years at times in cycling when it comes to success, and from some perspectives, Kasper Asgreen&#8217;s Classics dominance of 2021, when he took both E3 and the Tour of Flanders in the same season, certainly looks to be fast fading in the sport&#8217;s rearview mirror. But at the same time, it&#8217;s only two since Asgreen was in a long break in E3 early on (and he did the same in Paris-Roubaix a few weeks later, too), and the Danish star still has the cach\u00e9 of being one of just two riders starting E3 this year who actually know what it feels like to win it.<\/p>\n<p>The lack of top results in recent years removes him from the uppermost rung of pre-race favourites, but with no Neilson Powless currently racing because of injuries, Asgreen&#8217;s moved up a few notches in the unwritten team hierarchy, so this is a good chance for him to grab if he can. As Asgreen showed with his Giro d&#8217;Italia stage win last year, he&#8217;s still got an excellent nose for breakaways and in a team like EF with a long tradition for room for mavericks to shine, too, he&#8217;s got both breathing space for his gift for improvisation that allows him regularly to punch above his weight, too.<\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, how many riders can say they&#8217;ve beaten Van der Poel in a Monument in a two-up sprint? Not many, but Asgreen is one of them, way back in Flanders in 2021. Five years on, that&#8217;s still got to count for something.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-romain-gregoire-groupama-fdj-united\"><span>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"c2263793-19e3-4635-a028-08965a4ac386\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Milan-San Remo: Romain Gr\u00e9goire gets interviewed before the start <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"f6ec0c57-0bf4-48f7-9fc2-afe970532769\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire&#8217;s possibilities in the cobbled Classics are a total mystery, even to himself &#8211; yet despite that lack of experience, all of the indirect evidence available suggests that he could well make a real impact.<\/p>\n<p>Making his debut in the northern one-day racing, despite his comparative youth, the 23-year-old has developed a real knack for being in the right place at the right time, even if he&#8217;s yet to hit the big time. In the 2025 San Remo, for example, he was the last rider to be dropped by the leading trio of Van der Poel, Filippo Ganna and Poga\u010dar, and he was the one who made the most of the confusion in a lead group sent off course in Faun Ard\u00e9che to win that race in 2025, too. Furthermore, he&#8217;s got wins as varied in terrain as stages of the Tour de Suisse, Itzulia Basque Country and the Faun Drome this year, and then there was a fourth place in Strade Bianche and second in Trofeo Laigueglia this year as well.<\/p>\n<p>This year, in keeping with that versatility, the 23-year-old&#8217;s not simply switching the Ardennes Classics for his first full cobbled Classics campaign, rather he&#8217;s combining both. Absolutely nothing directly suggests that Gr\u00e9goire will be up there on Friday afternoon amongst the bergs and straats of central Flanders. But absolutely everything about him suggests it wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise, either.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-christophe-laporte-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"5a04b272-20eb-47ec-9319-f2b4105e1ba8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Christophe Laporte <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"2d7dff4e-3b24-46fb-9db0-ef243a220ed7\">Christophe Laporte&#8217;s E3 track record is deceptive. Second in 2022 suggests he was the first loser, but in fact, that day he and teammate Wout van Aert launched a joint long-range attack on the Taienberg that saw the Frenchman and Belgian reach the finish line together. Van Aert was allowed to roll home in first place, but Laporte could just as easily have been given that honour.<\/p>\n<p>Away for the best part of a year because of illness in 2025, fourth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad speaks volumes about how his ability to ride the cobbled Classics has been undiminished by so long off the bike. The form was already there, in fact, in the Vuelta a Andalucia, where he won the opening day&#8217;s chaotic bunch sprint, and it was in evidence, too, in his hard work at San Remo for Van Aert en route to the Belgian&#8217;s podium finish.<\/p>\n<p>Once again, Laporte&#8217;s position in the Visma-Lease a Bike hierarchy for the Classics will hinge at least a little on Van Aert takes part in E3. For now, that&#8217;s unlikely to happen, and the absence of Matteo Jorgenson &#8211; focusing on the Ardennes Classics &#8211; pushes the Frenchman a little further into the limelight. Already a winner at Ghent-Wevelgem (In Flanders Fields) a few years back, Laporte may have to play second fiddle there to Matthew Brennan, assuming the Briton has recovered from the illness that kept him out of Milan-San Remo. But at E3, if Van Aert does not make a last-minute appearance on the start list, it&#8217;d be a huge surprise if Laporte was not in the thick of the action on his own account.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-biniam-girmay-nsn\"><span>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"af513d93-6589-4c0a-a36c-116b8c5afdf0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2022 Gent-Wevelgem: Biniam Girmay takes a breakthrough win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"834d868d-8284-49b1-b6bc-6927a710e48b\">It&#8217;s been quite a few years now since Biniam Girmay made history with his 2022 victory in Gent-Wevelgem, and he preceded it with a fifth place in E3 Harelbeke just two days before. But even if he was completely out of the running in Milan-San Remo following his unfortunate crash, the Eritrean fastman has had something of a bounce back this year following a more uneven 2025, and after two wins in Spain, some near misses in Paris-Nice, Belgium might just be where he comes good.<\/p>\n<p>His best option would be, obviously, a reduced bunch sprint, where the multiple Tour de France stage winner can put his hugely impressive final turn of speed to great effect. Even if Van der Poel does head up the road on one of his trademark solo moves, a podium position remains a possibility. And if that happens, then suddenly at Ghent-Wevelgem &#8211; which is a race that suits him down to the ground &#8211; anything could be possible.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-aime-de-gendt-pinarello-q36-5\"><span>Aim\u00e9 De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b0e9e827-16b1-46ab-ac2e-87dc37541992\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Aim\u00e9 De Gendt rides across the cobbles <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3a5a629c-554d-49c2-8b03-849c95d1c38f\">What do Aim\u00e9 De Gendt and Christophe Laporte have in common apart from both being hugely experienced and talented Classics riders in their 30s? More than you&#8217;d think, perhaps: just as Laporte has a chance to shine on Friday with no Van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson to overshadow him a little, so De Gendt has the opportunity to make an impact in E3 Saxo Classic given the lack of Tom Pidcock in the squad&#8217;s line-up.<\/p>\n<p>You could immediately qualify that by saying that Pidcock was never down to take part in E3, whereas Van Aert is a former double winner. But the point remains that in both cases, in the absence of a charismatic team leader, races like E3 become opportunities for the lesser lights to step to the fore. And in the case of De Gendt, just like Laporte, there&#8217;s plenty of evidence to suggest that at E3 they could seize that chance with both hands.<\/p>\n<p>Fifth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the most similar race to E3 beyond Flanders itself, is one good reason to argue he&#8217;ll be up there on Friday. So, too, is a seventh place in E3 last year and a host of minor results and near-misses around five or six seasons back. These latest results suggest that De Gendt is having something of a revival of top performances. And given this is Pinarello&#8217;s collective opportunities to step into the limelight whilst Tom Pidcock pounds his way across the mountains of the Volta a Catalunya &#8211; and before coming back to lead the team in the Ardennes &#8211; it&#8217;s certainly a good moment for De Gendt to be hitting the high notes.<\/p>\n<p id=\"46770afd-4209-4637-a56a-c3c4efaae938\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Starting with Tadej means we always race for the win&#8217; \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad podium finisher Florian Vermeersch predicts usual Poga\u010dar fireworks on Saturday<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He wasn&#8217;t happy with me, but that&#8217;s cycling&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reflects on tactics and sportsmanship after two-up breakaway with Remco Evenepoel at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel crashes at the end of a spectacular final breakaway with Jonas Vingegaard in Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge: Another victory for Dylan Groenewegen as crosswinds and crashes rip through peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon wins dramatic stage 3 finish as Remco Evenepoel crashes in closing kilometre<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;See if I still have any connection&#8217; \u2013 Tom Boonen returns to Soudal-QuickStep fold with spot in team car for E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It stopped me yesterday, but not for the week&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel fights on at Volta a Catalunya following stage 3 crash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jay Vine&#8217;s return from injury cut short with crash and abandon on stage 3 of Volta a Catalunya<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Thursday&#8217;s Volta a Catalunya summit stage finish cut short due to high wind warning in weather d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nE3 Saxo Classic\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-26T10:29:25Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Usual breathless, technical finale crammed with cobbled climbs in central and southern Flanders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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id=\"1bd0538b-e9c0-4f27-97c2-8ae86d5429a6\">A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away from the universe containing Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), there was an era when whatever happened in the E3 Saxo Classic was seen as <em>the <\/em>most reliable optic for success for what played out nine days later in the Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>While Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was considered too far away on the calendar and has never been won in the same year by the same rider who conquered De Ronde, the much closer Gent-Wevelgem (now In Flanders Fields) was always too much of a law unto its perpetually eccentric self and Dwars door Vlaanderen, now held on Wednesday, feels too straightforward (relatively speaking) and lowkey. E3 and Flanders have been won by the same rider in the same year no fewer than nine times since 1998.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1bd0538b-e9c0-4f27-97c2-8ae86d5429a6-2\">The key to it losing that status is Poga\u010dar. Just as almost every major one-day cobbled Classic (and a fair few others) has been re-shaped by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s propensity for long-range attacks, so there&#8217;s been a knock-on effect on the events where he&#8217;s not taking part, too, like E3 Saxo Classic &#8211; which Poga\u010dar has only raced once, in 2023. As a result, it&#8217;s become more of a general guide to Flanders form than a specific one, particularly this year, when the slightly weaker field is missing some of the key other players, like Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike). <\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That said, and to take last year, no fewer than five of the top 10 finishers in E3, also featured in the top ten of Flanders. And if 2025 Flanders winner Poga\u010dar wasn&#8217;t amongst the E3 participants last March, it&#8217;s not as if we really needed reminding he was going to be a factor nine days further on. So even if E3 isn&#8217;t quite as accurate a gauge of success as it used to be, it&#8217;s still a good form guide for the bigger event 10 days later for those who take part.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">E3&#8217;s role as a final testbed for Flanders hasn&#8217;t always been the case, though. E3 was first held in 1958, but only in its current form in the 1990s, when the mix of cobbled bergs and obscure Flemish rural backstreets made it so similar to Flanders. E3 is 60 kilometres shorter than the Ronde, too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The parallels these days are much clearer. All but two of the 16 ascents (one less than last year) and one of the 10 cobbled sectors (one less than last year) are in the final 120 kilometres of the 206 that comprise the route. Few cobbled Classics have such an intense, draining and drawn-out finale and the double ascent of the Oude Kwaremont (from different approaches each time) and going up the new E3-Col in Ronse&#8217;s Karnemelkbeekstraat, with stretches of 12%, will only add to the challenges. The usual final combination of the Varent cobbles and Tiegenberg climb, though, as well as a 20-kilometre run-in afterwards, remains a tried-and-tested last segment of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Even if E3&#8217;s status as a herald of Flanders is diminished, it remains an event in a class of its own.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"the-contenders-3\">The contenders<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"aa4bd12e-28e9-4d8a-a059-aed862bccb8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">E3 2025: Mathieu van der Poel claims the win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"cd51b683-40c3-48f5-b0eb-fd3f82cddc05\">Some doubts still hover around Mathieu van der Poel after his crash and finger injury in Milan-San Remo, and his fading in the final kilometres of La Primavera also sparked a few question marks. But should he turn up, there is only one stand-out favourite for this year&#8217;s E3 Saxo Classic and that&#8217;s the rider who&#8217;s won the race for the last two years and who&#8217;s never been off the podium in his four participations since 2021.<\/p>\n<p>2024&#8217;s victory and 2025 were taken in remarkably similar fashion, too, launching attacks 40 kilometres out, on the Paterberg in 2024 and the Aude Kwaremont in 2025. So no doubts that he&#8217;s got this race dialled. There are multiple reasons for this, but one is maybe that his bike-handling skills &#8211; which he used to stunning effect in Omloop this spring, avoiding a crash on the Molenberg after Rick Pluimers fell heavily right in front of him &#8211; are more than in tune with the never-ending technical demands of Harelbeke&#8217;s crunch final half.<\/p>\n<p>With the honourable exception of Jasper Philipsen, who was not present at E3, another rarely mentioned factor about Van der Poel is his excellent team support. Riders like Paris-Roubaix podium finisher Sylvan Dillier, the Swiss veteran who was part of a 200-kilometre breakaway in San Remo, can be invaluable assistance to the Dutchman before his usual devastating solo efforts. But so too could the likes of Tibor de Grosso, more than ten years Dillier&#8217;s junior and fast learning the ropes. Alpecin don&#8217;t have not such a roll call of <em>galacticos <\/em>as UAE Team Emirates do at their disposal, perhaps, but there are always a host of strong supporters.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Starting with Tadej means we always race for the win&#8217; \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad podium finisher Florian Vermeersch predicts usual Poga\u010dar fireworks on Saturday<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel rarely needs to make a statement, such as been his predominance in the Classics in recent years, but after his San Remo setback, this might just be the time when he opts to prove to the world that he&#8217;s not on a downwards trajectory form-wise after his injury. Or, looked at another way, you could say that if Van der Poel managed to keep Poga\u010dar in check for so long at San Remo despite not being able to hold his handlebars properly post-crash, then Friday&#8217;s ride across the cobbles may turn out to be a complete walk in the park for him, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"a8469d53-f1e7-4dbd-9bf4-d831875e4f28\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Milan-San Remo: Mads Pedersen sprints to fourth <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"19a59059-b574-4497-9aa1-20313bfe8a84\">Second in E3 last year, prior to a third win in Gent-Wevelgem (now In Flanders Fields), Mads Pedersen delivered a hugely impressive fourth place in Milan-San Remo last week on what was effectively his season debut. The record books will have his 2026 start date down as Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, of course. But after such a bad crash on stage 1 in Valencia, fracturing his collarbone and wrist, fourth place at San Remo six weeks later for the former World Champion represented something of a comeback for the ages.<\/p>\n<p>His morale will likely be climbing high as a result, but if he obviously has the endurance to handle 200 kilometres at E3, the question is more &#8211; can Pedersen really handle the much tougher terrain (and, potentially, weather) in Belgium than the smooth roads of the Ligurian coastline in San Remo?<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;d be tempted to say yes, of course, given how well he handled the torrential rain in Harrogate in a certain World Championships victory eight years ago. But after his injuries and long spell away from racing, this is no ordinary spring for Pedersen, so even after San Remo, E3 represents another big voyage into the unknown for the Dane.<\/p>\n<p>Should he be on form, there&#8217;s every chance he could be the rider who runs Van der Poel the closest, as was the case, together with Poga\u010dar, in Flanders and Roubaix last year. The forever ambitious Pedersen will be itching, in any case, to turn in a top performance on terrain that he knows even better than Van der Poel &#8211; he has raced E3 no fewer than eight times, twice as many times as the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, if Pedersen does need to take a back seat, then Lidl-Trek&#8217;s fast-rising Czech powerhouse Matthias Vacek is also out to make a name for himself after a quiet start to his Classics campaign &#8211; and Pedersen for sure would be happy to help the teammate who gave him so much support in last year&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-stuyven-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7fb57ab9-ee1d-48d2-ac5f-397dfe812483\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Stuyven (l) in Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7e4ca93b-f0ad-4363-a02c-9dc20e08abd7\">One of the most experienced E3 racers this year &#8211; he&#8217;s one of just four on the startlist with 10 participations alongside teammate Dylan van Baarle, Matteo Trentin (Tudor) and Luke Durbridge (Jayco-AlUla) &#8211; Jasper Stuyven&#8217;s second place in the 2024 edition of E3 represents his high-tide mark in the race to date. But in a sense his past participations barely matter, given his new role as the co-leader of a revamped, revitalised cobbled Classics team in Soudal-QuickStep, the home squad par excellence for these races. What&#8217;s more, Soudal&#8217;s star rider of yesteryear, Tom Boonen (present in the Soudal team car for E3 this March), remains the record holder for victories in E3, with five.<\/p>\n<p>As such, the former Lidl-Trek racer and Omloop winner is seen as the spearhead (together with Van Baarle) for a revival of Soudal&#8217;s Classics ambitions in the post-Remco Evenepoel era. It&#8217;s true that plenty of cautious notes have been struck about how their plans will take a good while to come to full fruition. But Stuyven will surely be wanting to make some kind of statement of future ambition, even if it doesn&#8217;t actually turn into full-blown success this year.<\/p>\n<p>Watching how he and Van Baarle &#8211; who has much the same mission, but has never cracked the top five in E3 &#8211; work together to try to pull something off will be an interesting sub-plot at the very least in this year&#8217;s E3. Or could it be something more?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasper-asgreen-ef-education-easypost\"><span>Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"19fcfbf9-3ac4-4016-b0c0-9045e8541a24\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Kasper Asgreen during the race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"ba39805d-27c5-4c96-b106-ef6af7c65ad1\">Five years feels like fifty years at times in cycling when it comes to success, and from some perspectives, Kasper Asgreen&#8217;s Classics dominance of 2021, when he took both E3 and the Tour of Flanders in the same season, certainly looks to be fast fading in the sport&#8217;s rearview mirror. But at the same time, it&#8217;s only two since Asgreen was in a long break in E3 early on (and he did the same in Paris-Roubaix a few weeks later, too), and the Danish star still has the cach\u00e9 of being one of just two riders starting E3 this year who actually know what it feels like to win it.<\/p>\n<p>The lack of top results in recent years removes him from the uppermost rung of pre-race favourites, but with no Neilson Powless currently racing because of injuries, Asgreen&#8217;s moved up a few notches in the unwritten team hierarchy, so this is a good chance for him to grab if he can. As Asgreen showed with his Giro d&#8217;Italia stage win last year, he&#8217;s still got an excellent nose for breakaways and in a team like EF with a long tradition for room for mavericks to shine, too, he&#8217;s got both breathing space for his gift for improvisation that allows him regularly to punch above his weight, too.<\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, how many riders can say they&#8217;ve beaten Van der Poel in a Monument in a two-up sprint? Not many, but Asgreen is one of them, way back in Flanders in 2021. Five years on, that&#8217;s still got to count for something.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-romain-gregoire-groupama-fdj-united\"><span>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"c2263793-19e3-4635-a028-08965a4ac386\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Milan-San Remo: Romain Gr\u00e9goire gets interviewed before the start <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"f6ec0c57-0bf4-48f7-9fc2-afe970532769\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire&#8217;s possibilities in the cobbled Classics are a total mystery, even to himself &#8211; yet despite that lack of experience, all of the indirect evidence available suggests that he could well make a real impact.<\/p>\n<p>Making his debut in the northern one-day racing, despite his comparative youth, the 23-year-old has developed a real knack for being in the right place at the right time, even if he&#8217;s yet to hit the big time. In the 2025 San Remo, for example, he was the last rider to be dropped by the leading trio of Van der Poel, Filippo Ganna and Poga\u010dar, and he was the one who made the most of the confusion in a lead group sent off course in Faun Ard\u00e9che to win that race in 2025, too. Furthermore, he&#8217;s got wins as varied in terrain as stages of the Tour de Suisse, Itzulia Basque Country and the Faun Drome this year, and then there was a fourth place in Strade Bianche and second in Trofeo Laigueglia this year as well.<\/p>\n<p>This year, in keeping with that versatility, the 23-year-old&#8217;s not simply switching the Ardennes Classics for his first full cobbled Classics campaign, rather he&#8217;s combining both. Absolutely nothing directly suggests that Gr\u00e9goire will be up there on Friday afternoon amongst the bergs and straats of central Flanders. But absolutely everything about him suggests it wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise, either.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-christophe-laporte-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"5a04b272-20eb-47ec-9319-f2b4105e1ba8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Christophe Laporte <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"2d7dff4e-3b24-46fb-9db0-ef243a220ed7\">Christophe Laporte&#8217;s E3 track record is deceptive. Second in 2022 suggests he was the first loser, but in fact, that day he and teammate Wout van Aert launched a joint long-range attack on the Taienberg that saw the Frenchman and Belgian reach the finish line together. Van Aert was allowed to roll home in first place, but Laporte could just as easily have been given that honour.<\/p>\n<p>Away for the best part of a year because of illness in 2025, fourth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad speaks volumes about how his ability to ride the cobbled Classics has been undiminished by so long off the bike. The form was already there, in fact, in the Vuelta a Andalucia, where he won the opening day&#8217;s chaotic bunch sprint, and it was in evidence, too, in his hard work at San Remo for Van Aert en route to the Belgian&#8217;s podium finish.<\/p>\n<p>Once again, Laporte&#8217;s position in the Visma-Lease a Bike hierarchy for the Classics will hinge at least a little on Van Aert takes part in E3. For now, that&#8217;s unlikely to happen, and the absence of Matteo Jorgenson &#8211; focusing on the Ardennes Classics &#8211; pushes the Frenchman a little further into the limelight. Already a winner at Ghent-Wevelgem (In Flanders Fields) a few years back, Laporte may have to play second fiddle there to Matthew Brennan, assuming the Briton has recovered from the illness that kept him out of Milan-San Remo. But at E3, if Van Aert does not make a last-minute appearance on the start list, it&#8217;d be a huge surprise if Laporte was not in the thick of the action on his own account.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-biniam-girmay-nsn\"><span>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"af513d93-6589-4c0a-a36c-116b8c5afdf0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2022 Gent-Wevelgem: Biniam Girmay takes a breakthrough win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"834d868d-8284-49b1-b6bc-6927a710e48b\">It&#8217;s been quite a few years now since Biniam Girmay made history with his 2022 victory in Gent-Wevelgem, and he preceded it with a fifth place in E3 Harelbeke just two days before. But even if he was completely out of the running in Milan-San Remo following his unfortunate crash, the Eritrean fastman has had something of a bounce back this year following a more uneven 2025, and after two wins in Spain, some near misses in Paris-Nice, Belgium might just be where he comes good.<\/p>\n<p>His best option would be, obviously, a reduced bunch sprint, where the multiple Tour de France stage winner can put his hugely impressive final turn of speed to great effect. Even if Van der Poel does head up the road on one of his trademark solo moves, a podium position remains a possibility. And if that happens, then suddenly at Ghent-Wevelgem &#8211; which is a race that suits him down to the ground &#8211; anything could be possible.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-aime-de-gendt-pinarello-q36-5\"><span>Aim\u00e9 De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b0e9e827-16b1-46ab-ac2e-87dc37541992\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Aim\u00e9 De Gendt rides across the cobbles <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3a5a629c-554d-49c2-8b03-849c95d1c38f\">What do Aim\u00e9 De Gendt and Christophe Laporte have in common apart from both being hugely experienced and talented Classics riders in their 30s? More than you&#8217;d think, perhaps: just as Laporte has a chance to shine on Friday with no Van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson to overshadow him a little, so De Gendt has the opportunity to make an impact in E3 Saxo Classic given the lack of Tom Pidcock in the squad&#8217;s line-up.<\/p>\n<p>You could immediately qualify that by saying that Pidcock was never down to take part in E3, whereas Van Aert is a former double winner. But the point remains that in both cases, in the absence of a charismatic team leader, races like E3 become opportunities for the lesser lights to step to the fore. And in the case of De Gendt, just like Laporte, there&#8217;s plenty of evidence to suggest that at E3 they could seize that chance with both hands.<\/p>\n<p>Fifth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the most similar race to E3 beyond Flanders itself, is one good reason to argue he&#8217;ll be up there on Friday. So, too, is a seventh place in E3 last year and a host of minor results and near-misses around five or six seasons back. These latest results suggest that De Gendt is having something of a revival of top performances. And given this is Pinarello&#8217;s collective opportunities to step into the limelight whilst Tom Pidcock pounds his way across the mountains of the Volta a Catalunya &#8211; and before coming back to lead the team in the Ardennes &#8211; it&#8217;s certainly a good moment for De Gendt to be hitting the high notes.<\/p>\n<p id=\"46770afd-4209-4637-a56a-c3c4efaae938\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Starting with Tadej means we always race for the win&#8217; \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad podium finisher Florian Vermeersch predicts usual Poga\u010dar fireworks on Saturday<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GQcbSbfzP2z7tCA2ousTnQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GiEeR8tmucTHbjEKQrXVXm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;He wasn&#8217;t happy with me, but that&#8217;s cycling&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard reflects on tactics and sportsmanship after two-up breakaway with Remco Evenepoel at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RXNXqgKiQwEu5j9oeAyBkd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel crashes at the end of a spectacular final breakaway with Jonas Vingegaard in Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zVkednvfXZyHyYVhfh4YTB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde van Brugge: Another victory for Dylan Groenewegen as crosswinds and crashes rip through peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JDQykLoA3wDFb2xWRGQf6D-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon wins dramatic stage 3 finish as Remco Evenepoel crashes in closing kilometre<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Am4TwapSouE7KKte7Xovie-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;See if I still have any connection&#8217; \u2013 Tom Boonen returns to Soudal-QuickStep fold with spot in team car for E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tdMM9USiVzeJJ9QkhvYSBE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Crunch time in the Pyrenees for Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the 2026 Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fj6uWzd7FSXK59oFjTcdDQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can the sprinters shut down a Poggio attack or will aggressors seize the day? &#8211; Analysing the favourites for the 2026 Milan-San Remo Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PV8zLPhtVqDkGVgeHo9ZiV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Trofeo Alfredo Binda contenders \u2013 Will it be a repeat victor or a new protagonist celebrating in Cittiglio?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kKnnsxxy34Q4cUPK37kZRM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Who will challenge Jonas Vingegaard at the Race to the Sun? Analysing the contenders for Paris-Nice<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It stopped me yesterday, but not for the week&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel fights on at Volta a Catalunya following stage 3 crash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jay Vine&#8217;s return from injury cut short with crash and abandon on stage 3 of Volta a Catalunya<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Thursday&#8217;s Volta a Catalunya summit stage finish cut short due to high wind warning in weather d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for &#8216;tough race&#8217; with forecast of rain and wind<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nE3 Saxo Classic\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-26T10:29:25Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n26 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Usual breathless, technical finale crammed with cobbled climbs in central and southern Flanders<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"1bd0538b-e9c0-4f27-97c2-8ae86d5429a6\">A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away from the universe containing Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), there was an era when whatever happened in the E3 Saxo Classic was seen as <em>the <\/em>most reliable optic for success for what played out nine days later in the Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>While Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was considered too far away on the calendar and has never been won in the same year by the same rider who conquered De Ronde, the much closer Gent-Wevelgem (now In Flanders Fields) was always too much of a law unto its perpetually eccentric self and Dwars door Vlaanderen, now held on Wednesday, feels too straightforward (relatively speaking) and lowkey. E3 and Flanders have been won by the same rider in the same year no fewer than nine times since 1998.<\/p>\n<p id=\"1bd0538b-e9c0-4f27-97c2-8ae86d5429a6-2\">The key to it losing that status is Poga\u010dar. Just as almost every major one-day cobbled Classic (and a fair few others) has been re-shaped by Poga\u010dar&#8217;s propensity for long-range attacks, so there&#8217;s been a knock-on effect on the events where he&#8217;s not taking part, too, like E3 Saxo Classic &#8211; which Poga\u010dar has only raced once, in 2023. As a result, it&#8217;s become more of a general guide to Flanders form than a specific one, particularly this year, when the slightly weaker field is missing some of the key other players, like Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike). <\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bF4qY79KNbg9H54ddEqDJC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The Poga\u010dar followers, the fast finishers and the outsiders \u2013 Analysing the Milan-San Remo contenders<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gP29mn4RkYirG5ckB2QqdQ-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Super talents and former winners, but can anyone really challenge Tadej Poga\u010dar? \u2013 Analysing the men&#8217;s favourites for Strade Bianche 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That said, and to take last year, no fewer than five of the top 10 finishers in E3, also featured in the top ten of Flanders. And if 2025 Flanders winner Poga\u010dar wasn&#8217;t amongst the E3 participants last March, it&#8217;s not as if we really needed reminding he was going to be a factor nine days further on. So even if E3 isn&#8217;t quite as accurate a gauge of success as it used to be, it&#8217;s still a good form guide for the bigger event 10 days later for those who take part.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">E3&#8217;s role as a final testbed for Flanders hasn&#8217;t always been the case, though. E3 was first held in 1958, but only in its current form in the 1990s, when the mix of cobbled bergs and obscure Flemish rural backstreets made it so similar to Flanders. E3 is 60 kilometres shorter than the Ronde, too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The parallels these days are much clearer. All but two of the 16 ascents (one less than last year) and one of the 10 cobbled sectors (one less than last year) are in the final 120 kilometres of the 206 that comprise the route. Few cobbled Classics have such an intense, draining and drawn-out finale and the double ascent of the Oude Kwaremont (from different approaches each time) and going up the new E3-Col in Ronse&#8217;s Karnemelkbeekstraat, with stretches of 12%, will only add to the challenges. The usual final combination of the Varent cobbles and Tiegenberg climb, though, as well as a 20-kilometre run-in afterwards, remains a tried-and-tested last segment of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Even if E3&#8217;s status as a herald of Flanders is diminished, it remains an event in a class of its own.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-m4BrkWxq38KJFz2M6oBrvm slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"the-contenders-3\">The contenders<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-alpecin-premier-tech\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"aa4bd12e-28e9-4d8a-a059-aed862bccb8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nyDrvkCfHsCm4V7BbnBHw3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">E3 2025: Mathieu van der Poel claims the win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"cd51b683-40c3-48f5-b0eb-fd3f82cddc05\">Some doubts still hover around Mathieu van der Poel after his crash and finger injury in Milan-San Remo, and his fading in the final kilometres of La Primavera also sparked a few question marks. But should he turn up, there is only one stand-out favourite for this year&#8217;s E3 Saxo Classic and that&#8217;s the rider who&#8217;s won the race for the last two years and who&#8217;s never been off the podium in his four participations since 2021.<\/p>\n<p>2024&#8217;s victory and 2025 were taken in remarkably similar fashion, too, launching attacks 40 kilometres out, on the Paterberg in 2024 and the Aude Kwaremont in 2025. So no doubts that he&#8217;s got this race dialled. There are multiple reasons for this, but one is maybe that his bike-handling skills &#8211; which he used to stunning effect in Omloop this spring, avoiding a crash on the Molenberg after Rick Pluimers fell heavily right in front of him &#8211; are more than in tune with the never-ending technical demands of Harelbeke&#8217;s crunch final half.<\/p>\n<p>With the honourable exception of Jasper Philipsen, who was not present at E3, another rarely mentioned factor about Van der Poel is his excellent team support. Riders like Paris-Roubaix podium finisher Sylvan Dillier, the Swiss veteran who was part of a 200-kilometre breakaway in San Remo, can be invaluable assistance to the Dutchman before his usual devastating solo efforts. But so too could the likes of Tibor de Grosso, more than ten years Dillier&#8217;s junior and fast learning the ropes. Alpecin don&#8217;t have not such a roll call of <em>galacticos <\/em>as UAE Team Emirates do at their disposal, perhaps, but there are always a host of strong supporters.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LXuVzNhdyYozodbjqe6jND-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Starting with Tadej means we always race for the win&#8217; \u2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad podium finisher Florian Vermeersch predicts usual Poga\u010dar fireworks on Saturday<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sRmHwLdiSejpteYzzN9pcg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro among the riders to watch at Tirreno-Adriatico<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Van der Poel rarely needs to make a statement, such as been his predominance in the Classics in recent years, but after his San Remo setback, this might just be the time when he opts to prove to the world that he&#8217;s not on a downwards trajectory form-wise after his injury. Or, looked at another way, you could say that if Van der Poel managed to keep Poga\u010dar in check for so long at San Remo despite not being able to hold his handlebars properly post-crash, then Friday&#8217;s ride across the cobbles may turn out to be a complete walk in the park for him, too.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-mads-pedersen-lidl-trek\"><span>Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"a8469d53-f1e7-4dbd-9bf4-d831875e4f28\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gYzS26o9qDjAzZiy3t95Ai-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Milan-San Remo: Mads Pedersen sprints to fourth <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"19a59059-b574-4497-9aa1-20313bfe8a84\">Second in E3 last year, prior to a third win in Gent-Wevelgem (now In Flanders Fields), Mads Pedersen delivered a hugely impressive fourth place in Milan-San Remo last week on what was effectively his season debut. The record books will have his 2026 start date down as Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, of course. But after such a bad crash on stage 1 in Valencia, fracturing his collarbone and wrist, fourth place at San Remo six weeks later for the former World Champion represented something of a comeback for the ages.<\/p>\n<p>His morale will likely be climbing high as a result, but if he obviously has the endurance to handle 200 kilometres at E3, the question is more &#8211; can Pedersen really handle the much tougher terrain (and, potentially, weather) in Belgium than the smooth roads of the Ligurian coastline in San Remo?<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;d be tempted to say yes, of course, given how well he handled the torrential rain in Harrogate in a certain World Championships victory eight years ago. But after his injuries and long spell away from racing, this is no ordinary spring for Pedersen, so even after San Remo, E3 represents another big voyage into the unknown for the Dane.<\/p>\n<p>Should he be on form, there&#8217;s every chance he could be the rider who runs Van der Poel the closest, as was the case, together with Poga\u010dar, in Flanders and Roubaix last year. The forever ambitious Pedersen will be itching, in any case, to turn in a top performance on terrain that he knows even better than Van der Poel &#8211; he has raced E3 no fewer than eight times, twice as many times as the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, if Pedersen does need to take a back seat, then Lidl-Trek&#8217;s fast-rising Czech powerhouse Matthias Vacek is also out to make a name for himself after a quiet start to his Classics campaign &#8211; and Pedersen for sure would be happy to help the teammate who gave him so much support in last year&#8217;s Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-jasper-stuyven-soudal-quickstep\"><span>Jasper Stuyven (Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"7fb57ab9-ee1d-48d2-ac5f-397dfe812483\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fY3oLwU8HtdEnnGXq2vprj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Jasper Stuyven (l) in Milan-San Remo <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"7e4ca93b-f0ad-4363-a02c-9dc20e08abd7\">One of the most experienced E3 racers this year &#8211; he&#8217;s one of just four on the startlist with 10 participations alongside teammate Dylan van Baarle, Matteo Trentin (Tudor) and Luke Durbridge (Jayco-AlUla) &#8211; Jasper Stuyven&#8217;s second place in the 2024 edition of E3 represents his high-tide mark in the race to date. But in a sense his past participations barely matter, given his new role as the co-leader of a revamped, revitalised cobbled Classics team in Soudal-QuickStep, the home squad par excellence for these races. What&#8217;s more, Soudal&#8217;s star rider of yesteryear, Tom Boonen (present in the Soudal team car for E3 this March), remains the record holder for victories in E3, with five.<\/p>\n<p>As such, the former Lidl-Trek racer and Omloop winner is seen as the spearhead (together with Van Baarle) for a revival of Soudal&#8217;s Classics ambitions in the post-Remco Evenepoel era. It&#8217;s true that plenty of cautious notes have been struck about how their plans will take a good while to come to full fruition. But Stuyven will surely be wanting to make some kind of statement of future ambition, even if it doesn&#8217;t actually turn into full-blown success this year.<\/p>\n<p>Watching how he and Van Baarle &#8211; who has much the same mission, but has never cracked the top five in E3 &#8211; work together to try to pull something off will be an interesting sub-plot at the very least in this year&#8217;s E3. Or could it be something more?<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-kasper-asgreen-ef-education-easypost\"><span>Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"19fcfbf9-3ac4-4016-b0c0-9045e8541a24\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zXLKjWBenyzDg4gutH9Xug-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Kasper Asgreen during the race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"ba39805d-27c5-4c96-b106-ef6af7c65ad1\">Five years feels like fifty years at times in cycling when it comes to success, and from some perspectives, Kasper Asgreen&#8217;s Classics dominance of 2021, when he took both E3 and the Tour of Flanders in the same season, certainly looks to be fast fading in the sport&#8217;s rearview mirror. But at the same time, it&#8217;s only two since Asgreen was in a long break in E3 early on (and he did the same in Paris-Roubaix a few weeks later, too), and the Danish star still has the cach\u00e9 of being one of just two riders starting E3 this year who actually know what it feels like to win it.<\/p>\n<p>The lack of top results in recent years removes him from the uppermost rung of pre-race favourites, but with no Neilson Powless currently racing because of injuries, Asgreen&#8217;s moved up a few notches in the unwritten team hierarchy, so this is a good chance for him to grab if he can. As Asgreen showed with his Giro d&#8217;Italia stage win last year, he&#8217;s still got an excellent nose for breakaways and in a team like EF with a long tradition for room for mavericks to shine, too, he&#8217;s got both breathing space for his gift for improvisation that allows him regularly to punch above his weight, too.<\/p>\n<p>Last but not least, how many riders can say they&#8217;ve beaten Van der Poel in a Monument in a two-up sprint? Not many, but Asgreen is one of them, way back in Flanders in 2021. Five years on, that&#8217;s still got to count for something.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-romain-gregoire-groupama-fdj-united\"><span>Romain Gr\u00e9goire (Groupama-FDJ United)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"c2263793-19e3-4635-a028-08965a4ac386\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wS9Wu2RoMPrsSGme4UqKpF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Milan-San Remo: Romain Gr\u00e9goire gets interviewed before the start <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"f6ec0c57-0bf4-48f7-9fc2-afe970532769\">Romain Gr\u00e9goire&#8217;s possibilities in the cobbled Classics are a total mystery, even to himself &#8211; yet despite that lack of experience, all of the indirect evidence available suggests that he could well make a real impact.<\/p>\n<p>Making his debut in the northern one-day racing, despite his comparative youth, the 23-year-old has developed a real knack for being in the right place at the right time, even if he&#8217;s yet to hit the big time. In the 2025 San Remo, for example, he was the last rider to be dropped by the leading trio of Van der Poel, Filippo Ganna and Poga\u010dar, and he was the one who made the most of the confusion in a lead group sent off course in Faun Ard\u00e9che to win that race in 2025, too. Furthermore, he&#8217;s got wins as varied in terrain as stages of the Tour de Suisse, Itzulia Basque Country and the Faun Drome this year, and then there was a fourth place in Strade Bianche and second in Trofeo Laigueglia this year as well.<\/p>\n<p>This year, in keeping with that versatility, the 23-year-old&#8217;s not simply switching the Ardennes Classics for his first full cobbled Classics campaign, rather he&#8217;s combining both. Absolutely nothing directly suggests that Gr\u00e9goire will be up there on Friday afternoon amongst the bergs and straats of central Flanders. But absolutely everything about him suggests it wouldn&#8217;t be a surprise, either.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-christophe-laporte-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"5a04b272-20eb-47ec-9319-f2b4105e1ba8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z6d5FS3DZAWBzh6XBryPd7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Christophe Laporte <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"2d7dff4e-3b24-46fb-9db0-ef243a220ed7\">Christophe Laporte&#8217;s E3 track record is deceptive. Second in 2022 suggests he was the first loser, but in fact, that day he and teammate Wout van Aert launched a joint long-range attack on the Taienberg that saw the Frenchman and Belgian reach the finish line together. Van Aert was allowed to roll home in first place, but Laporte could just as easily have been given that honour.<\/p>\n<p>Away for the best part of a year because of illness in 2025, fourth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad speaks volumes about how his ability to ride the cobbled Classics has been undiminished by so long off the bike. The form was already there, in fact, in the Vuelta a Andalucia, where he won the opening day&#8217;s chaotic bunch sprint, and it was in evidence, too, in his hard work at San Remo for Van Aert en route to the Belgian&#8217;s podium finish.<\/p>\n<p>Once again, Laporte&#8217;s position in the Visma-Lease a Bike hierarchy for the Classics will hinge at least a little on Van Aert takes part in E3. For now, that&#8217;s unlikely to happen, and the absence of Matteo Jorgenson &#8211; focusing on the Ardennes Classics &#8211; pushes the Frenchman a little further into the limelight. Already a winner at Ghent-Wevelgem (In Flanders Fields) a few years back, Laporte may have to play second fiddle there to Matthew Brennan, assuming the Briton has recovered from the illness that kept him out of Milan-San Remo. But at E3, if Van Aert does not make a last-minute appearance on the start list, it&#8217;d be a huge surprise if Laporte was not in the thick of the action on his own account.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-biniam-girmay-nsn\"><span>Biniam Girmay (NSN)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"af513d93-6589-4c0a-a36c-116b8c5afdf0\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CFEuVw87hc7wmZtAbpLfGf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2022 Gent-Wevelgem: Biniam Girmay takes a breakthrough win <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"834d868d-8284-49b1-b6bc-6927a710e48b\">It&#8217;s been quite a few years now since Biniam Girmay made history with his 2022 victory in Gent-Wevelgem, and he preceded it with a fifth place in E3 Harelbeke just two days before. But even if he was completely out of the running in Milan-San Remo following his unfortunate crash, the Eritrean fastman has had something of a bounce back this year following a more uneven 2025, and after two wins in Spain, some near misses in Paris-Nice, Belgium might just be where he comes good.<\/p>\n<p>His best option would be, obviously, a reduced bunch sprint, where the multiple Tour de France stage winner can put his hugely impressive final turn of speed to great effect. Even if Van der Poel does head up the road on one of his trademark solo moves, a podium position remains a possibility. And if that happens, then suddenly at Ghent-Wevelgem &#8211; which is a race that suits him down to the ground &#8211; anything could be possible.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-aime-de-gendt-pinarello-q36-5\"><span>Aim\u00e9 De Gendt (Pinarello-Q36.5)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"b0e9e827-16b1-46ab-ac2e-87dc37541992\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P3hboPPZks5eQnD6w6TycC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Aim\u00e9 De Gendt rides across the cobbles <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3a5a629c-554d-49c2-8b03-849c95d1c38f\">What do Aim\u00e9 De Gendt and Christophe Laporte have in common apart from both being hugely experienced and talented Classics riders in their 30s? More than you&#8217;d think, perhaps: just as Laporte has a chance to shine on Friday with no Van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson to overshadow him a little, so De Gendt has the opportunity to make an impact in E3 Saxo Classic given the lack of Tom Pidcock in the squad&#8217;s line-up.<\/p>\n<p>You could immediately qualify that by saying that Pidcock was never down to take part in E3, whereas Van Aert is a former double winner. But the point remains that in both cases, in the absence of a charismatic team leader, races like E3 become opportunities for the lesser lights to step to the fore. And in the case of De Gendt, just like Laporte, there&#8217;s plenty of evidence to suggest that at E3 they could seize that chance with both hands.<\/p>\n<p>Fifth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the most similar race to E3 beyond Flanders itself, is one good reason to argue he&#8217;ll be up there on Friday. So, too, is a seventh place in E3 last year and a host of minor results and near-misses around five or six seasons back. These latest results suggest that De Gendt is having something of a revival of top performances. And given this is Pinarello&#8217;s collective opportunities to step into the limelight whilst Tom Pidcock pounds his way across the mountains of the Volta a Catalunya &#8211; and before coming back to lead the team in the Ardennes &#8211; it&#8217;s certainly a good moment for De Gendt to be hitting the high notes.<\/p>\n<p id=\"46770afd-4209-4637-a56a-c3c4efaae938\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tadej-pogacar-has-changed-e3-saxo-classics-status-but-it-remains-the-best-flanders-form-guide-a-closer-look-at-the-contenders-for-fridays-race\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-1920-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road E3 Saxo Classic Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race By Alasdair Fotheringham published 26 March 2026 Usual breathless, technical finale crammed with cobbled climbs in central and southern [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1848849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1848849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1848849"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1848849\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1848849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1848849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1848849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}