{"id":1851431,"date":"2026-03-27T18:34:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851431"},"modified":"2026-03-27T18:34:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:34:16","slug":"my-companions-decided-to-gamble-florian-vermeersch-disappointed-at-lack-of-cooperation-after-chasers-let-mathieu-van-der-poel-stay-away-in-final-kilometre-of-e3-saxo-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851431","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-2500-80.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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nFlorian Vermeersch\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T18:34:16Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG DS says Belgian &#8216;did what he was right to do&#8217; by not wasting final effort to close down solo Dutchman<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Florian Vermeersch of UAE Team Emirates-XRG competes at E3 Saxo Classic 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 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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=\"elk-5504fb89-e755-4b00-9cb8-27445e3358ce\">After failing to close down Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) by just a matter of metres in the final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic, Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) said he was disappointed but &#8220;not angry&#8221; that his chasing companions &#8220;chose to gamble&#8221; instead of helping him reel back in the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>Having already been dealt bad luck before the crucial Kortekeer and Taaienberg climbs with a mechanical, Vermeersch almost produced a comeback for the ages as he fought his way back up the groups and eventually got into a three-man attack heading into the final 30km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5504fb89-e755-4b00-9cb8-27445e3358ce-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">By this point, Van der Poel had already been alone for 33km, but, with a headwind hampering him and the chase never really stopping behind, he was well within striking distance just 58 seconds up the road from Vermeersch, Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM), whom they&#8217;d mopped up from the early breakaway.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-150-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch and Hagenes did the lion&#8217;s share of the work, making Van der Poel look human as his gap melted away to just 10 seconds for much of the final 5km. Bringing it down to three seconds for the final 1,000 metres, Vermeersch could almost reach out and touch the Alpecin-Premier Tech man. But he cast a look behind and received a lack of response, gifting Van der Poel the E3 hat-trick that so nearly went amiss. Between them, they&#8217;d thrown it away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy that we stayed up front, but it&#8217;s not the best feeling, not winning. There was no cooperation anymore, and we didn&#8217;t catch him,&#8221; said Vermeersch to the TV broadcast after the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I was asking for one more pull from my companions, but they decided they wanted to gamble. At that moment, I also said that I was not going to be the guy who was going to close the gap with my last effort.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a pity in the end. It&#8217;s not that I&#8217;m angry, it&#8217;s cycling. Of course, I&#8217;m disappointed, but I also understand their tactical reasons \u2013 it&#8217;s life. I showed everyone that I have a good shape. So I guess it&#8217;s onto the next.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge 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<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Speaking at the finish, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider defended his tactics in the run-in, saying he was right to stop the effort instead of towing the likes of Hagenes and Abrahamsen to an easy win ahead of Van der Poel. In the end, the Belgian took third behind the Norwegian Hagenes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;He had already done more than the others; he was pushing and pulling more than them, but this is a race situation, and you need also to have a bit of killer instinct, to take some risk, to save some energy, to maybe win the race,&#8221; Sports Director Fabio Baldato told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> in Harelbeke.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;At one moment, Florian, he pulled, he pulled, and he pulled, from kilometre two to the last one. It was mostly him, and then for me, he did what was right to do.<\/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\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;About the chasers, it is what it is. You take the risk to lose the race, to try to win, and even Florian at that moment, if he closed, he knew he could not win the race, that&#8217;s just the way it is. Anyway, he was great, he&#8217;s a champion.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It&#8217;s unknown just how close Vermeersch would have been to the initial burst that Van der Poel made up the Taaienberg with Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), but the legs he showed in the final 60km suggested he would have been mighty close to going with and possibly beating him.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, he was left thinking about that very scenario, but didn&#8217;t for a moment think it was a certainty. Either way, considering this is UAE without Tadej Poga\u010dar, they are looking ominous for the upcoming Tour of Flanders on April 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;He did everything perfectly considering today, that he had this bad mechanical just before the Taaienberg,&#8221; said Baldato. &#8220;For us, we were thinking that the race was done for him, so he did a fantastic job.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch agreed it was a bad moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was the most terrible moment possible. I think I turned onto the Taaienberg in position 100, maybe even further. From there, I was just catching up, and catching up, but I came back pretty quickly thanks to my teammates. I&#8217;m a bit left with what if, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Belgian said he was &#8220;maybe even better&#8221; than at Omloop Nieuwsblad, where he was the second strongest behind Van der Poel and also finished third.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If I see how I felt in the end after all the climbs and after such a hard race, maybe I had better legs \u2013 but I&#8217;m never gonna say that I would be able to follow and beat Mathieu.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e157691-b487-46d3-b8f5-a0bc8b100c67\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics 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 Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/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 class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in 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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at 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-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may well turn out that he&#8217;s a one-day rider&#8217; \u2013 Former manager Patrick Lefevere questions Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s racing priorities<\/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\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/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\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I should probably have done more research&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock leapfrogs Remco Evenepoel on Volta a Catalunya GC thanks to day of bonus seconds hunting <\/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\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tears in my eyes&#8217; \u2013 Marcel Kittel ecstatic as Dylan Groenewegen collaboration bears fruit with Rockets&#8217; first WorldTour win<\/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 News<\/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\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Today I lost a life for sure&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock &#8216;OK&#8217; after crashing into a ravine in the Volta a Catalunya out of sight of race<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike rider disqualified from E3 Saxo Classic for taking tow from team car &#8211; Video<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-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\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel debuts the unreleased Canyon Endurace at E3 \u2013 What does this mean for the Paris-Roubaix arms race?<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F.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\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/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\">Visma-Lease a Bike rider disqualified from E3 Saxo Classic for taking tow from team car &#8211; Video<\/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\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nFlorian Vermeersch\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T18:34:16Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG DS says Belgian &#8216;did what he was right to do&#8217; by not wasting final effort to close down solo Dutchman<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Florian Vermeersch of UAE Team Emirates-XRG competes at E3 Saxo Classic 2026<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 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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=\"elk-5504fb89-e755-4b00-9cb8-27445e3358ce\">After failing to close down Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) by just a matter of metres in the final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic, Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) said he was disappointed but &#8220;not angry&#8221; that his chasing companions &#8220;chose to gamble&#8221; instead of helping him reel back in the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>Having already been dealt bad luck before the crucial Kortekeer and Taaienberg climbs with a mechanical, Vermeersch almost produced a comeback for the ages as he fought his way back up the groups and eventually got into a three-man attack heading into the final 30km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5504fb89-e755-4b00-9cb8-27445e3358ce-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">By this point, Van der Poel had already been alone for 33km, but, with a headwind hampering him and the chase never really stopping behind, he was well within striking distance just 58 seconds up the road from Vermeersch, Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM), whom they&#8217;d mopped up from the early breakaway.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-150-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch and Hagenes did the lion&#8217;s share of the work, making Van der Poel look human as his gap melted away to just 10 seconds for much of the final 5km. Bringing it down to three seconds for the final 1,000 metres, Vermeersch could almost reach out and touch the Alpecin-Premier Tech man. But he cast a look behind and received a lack of response, gifting Van der Poel the E3 hat-trick that so nearly went amiss. Between them, they&#8217;d thrown it away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy that we stayed up front, but it&#8217;s not the best feeling, not winning. There was no cooperation anymore, and we didn&#8217;t catch him,&#8221; said Vermeersch to the TV broadcast after the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I was asking for one more pull from my companions, but they decided they wanted to gamble. At that moment, I also said that I was not going to be the guy who was going to close the gap with my last effort.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a pity in the end. It&#8217;s not that I&#8217;m angry, it&#8217;s cycling. Of course, I&#8217;m disappointed, but I also understand their tactical reasons \u2013 it&#8217;s life. I showed everyone that I have a good shape. So I guess it&#8217;s onto the next.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge 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<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Speaking at the finish, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider defended his tactics in the run-in, saying he was right to stop the effort instead of towing the likes of Hagenes and Abrahamsen to an easy win ahead of Van der Poel. In the end, the Belgian took third behind the Norwegian Hagenes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;He had already done more than the others; he was pushing and pulling more than them, but this is a race situation, and you need also to have a bit of killer instinct, to take some risk, to save some energy, to maybe win the race,&#8221; Sports Director Fabio Baldato told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> in Harelbeke.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;At one moment, Florian, he pulled, he pulled, and he pulled, from kilometre two to the last one. It was mostly him, and then for me, he did what was right to do.<\/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\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;About the chasers, it is what it is. You take the risk to lose the race, to try to win, and even Florian at that moment, if he closed, he knew he could not win the race, that&#8217;s just the way it is. Anyway, he was great, he&#8217;s a champion.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It&#8217;s unknown just how close Vermeersch would have been to the initial burst that Van der Poel made up the Taaienberg with Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), but the legs he showed in the final 60km suggested he would have been mighty close to going with and possibly beating him.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, he was left thinking about that very scenario, but didn&#8217;t for a moment think it was a certainty. Either way, considering this is UAE without Tadej Poga\u010dar, they are looking ominous for the upcoming Tour of Flanders on April 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;He did everything perfectly considering today, that he had this bad mechanical just before the Taaienberg,&#8221; said Baldato. &#8220;For us, we were thinking that the race was done for him, so he did a fantastic job.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch agreed it was a bad moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was the most terrible moment possible. I think I turned onto the Taaienberg in position 100, maybe even further. From there, I was just catching up, and catching up, but I came back pretty quickly thanks to my teammates. I&#8217;m a bit left with what if, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Belgian said he was &#8220;maybe even better&#8221; than at Omloop Nieuwsblad, where he was the second strongest behind Van der Poel and also finished third.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If I see how I felt in the end after all the climbs and after such a hard race, maybe I had better legs \u2013 but I&#8217;m never gonna say that I would be able to follow and beat Mathieu.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e157691-b487-46d3-b8f5-a0bc8b100c67\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics 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 Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge 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\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.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\">James Moultrie<\/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 class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in 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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at 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-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may well turn out that he&#8217;s a one-day rider&#8217; \u2013 Former manager Patrick Lefevere questions Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s racing priorities<\/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\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/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\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I should probably have done more research&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock leapfrogs Remco Evenepoel on Volta a Catalunya GC thanks to day of bonus seconds hunting <\/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\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tears in my eyes&#8217; \u2013 Marcel Kittel ecstatic as Dylan Groenewegen collaboration bears fruit with Rockets&#8217; first WorldTour win<\/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 News<\/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\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Today I lost a life for sure&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock &#8216;OK&#8217; after crashing into a ravine in the Volta a Catalunya out of sight of race<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FJuKfJXP46PXNhV9JTEEyg-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\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike rider disqualified from E3 Saxo Classic for taking tow from team car &#8211; Video<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbxaAEosMNc8HUT3dVYL6P-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\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel debuts the unreleased Canyon Endurace at E3 \u2013 What does this mean for the Paris-Roubaix arms race?<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F.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\">&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/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\">Visma-Lease a Bike rider disqualified from E3 Saxo Classic for taking tow from team car &#8211; Video<\/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\">&#8216;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUAE Team Emirates-XRG\n<\/li>\n<li>\nFlorian Vermeersch\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T18:34:16Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG DS says Belgian &#8216;did what he was right to do&#8217; by not wasting final effort to close down solo Dutchman<\/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=\"elk-5504fb89-e755-4b00-9cb8-27445e3358ce\">After failing to close down Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) by just a matter of metres in the final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic, Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) said he was disappointed but &#8220;not angry&#8221; that his chasing companions &#8220;chose to gamble&#8221; instead of helping him reel back in the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p>Having already been dealt bad luck before the crucial Kortekeer and Taaienberg climbs with a mechanical, Vermeersch almost produced a comeback for the ages as he fought his way back up the groups and eventually got into a three-man attack heading into the final 30km.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5504fb89-e755-4b00-9cb8-27445e3358ce-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">By this point, Van der Poel had already been alone for 33km, but, with a headwind hampering him and the chase never really stopping behind, he was well within striking distance just 58 seconds up the road from Vermeersch, Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM), whom they&#8217;d mopped up from the early breakaway.<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-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;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-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;I gave up, actually, because they were so close&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with &#8216;one of my best efforts&#8217;<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-150-80.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;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch and Hagenes did the lion&#8217;s share of the work, making Van der Poel look human as his gap melted away to just 10 seconds for much of the final 5km. Bringing it down to three seconds for the final 1,000 metres, Vermeersch could almost reach out and touch the Alpecin-Premier Tech man. But he cast a look behind and received a lack of response, gifting Van der Poel the E3 hat-trick that so nearly went amiss. Between them, they&#8217;d thrown it away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy that we stayed up front, but it&#8217;s not the best feeling, not winning. There was no cooperation anymore, and we didn&#8217;t catch him,&#8221; said Vermeersch to the TV broadcast after the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I was asking for one more pull from my companions, but they decided they wanted to gamble. At that moment, I also said that I was not going to be the guy who was going to close the gap with my last effort.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a pity in the end. It&#8217;s not that I&#8217;m angry, it&#8217;s cycling. Of course, I&#8217;m disappointed, but I also understand their tactical reasons \u2013 it&#8217;s life. I showed everyone that I have a good shape. So I guess it&#8217;s onto the next.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-MZCM3hsPwYfnMxfoLmb7ge 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<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Speaking at the finish, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider defended his tactics in the run-in, saying he was right to stop the effort instead of towing the likes of Hagenes and Abrahamsen to an easy win ahead of Van der Poel. In the end, the Belgian took third behind the Norwegian Hagenes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;He had already done more than the others; he was pushing and pulling more than them, but this is a race situation, and you need also to have a bit of killer instinct, to take some risk, to save some energy, to maybe win the race,&#8221; Sports Director Fabio Baldato told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> in Harelbeke.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;At one moment, Florian, he pulled, he pulled, and he pulled, from kilometre two to the last one. It was mostly him, and then for me, he did what was right to do.<\/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\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MddsXKghDmxDJzcWYTZTCn-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\">E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel punishes rivals but fights to hold off fast-closing chase group for three-peat<\/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\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/H3NfhLGW62p2DjyEuPYFiU-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;Florian Vermeersch was too generous to Mathieu van der Poel&#8217; \u2013 Sean Kelly questions tactics on display at Opening Weekend<\/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\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vMZ2jtu2qk73VgTV9PA4AX-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;Per made no mistakes&#8217; \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike lay fault with Jonas Abrahamsen after Hagenes&#8217; group fumbles catch at E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;About the chasers, it is what it is. You take the risk to lose the race, to try to win, and even Florian at that moment, if he closed, he knew he could not win the race, that&#8217;s just the way it is. Anyway, he was great, he&#8217;s a champion.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It&#8217;s unknown just how close Vermeersch would have been to the initial burst that Van der Poel made up the Taaienberg with Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), but the legs he showed in the final 60km suggested he would have been mighty close to going with and possibly beating him.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, he was left thinking about that very scenario, but didn&#8217;t for a moment think it was a certainty. Either way, considering this is UAE without Tadej Poga\u010dar, they are looking ominous for the upcoming Tour of Flanders on April 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;He did everything perfectly considering today, that he had this bad mechanical just before the Taaienberg,&#8221; said Baldato. &#8220;For us, we were thinking that the race was done for him, so he did a fantastic job.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vermeersch agreed it was a bad moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was the most terrible moment possible. I think I turned onto the Taaienberg in position 100, maybe even further. From there, I was just catching up, and catching up, but I came back pretty quickly thanks to my teammates. I&#8217;m a bit left with what if, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The Belgian said he was &#8220;maybe even better&#8221; than at Omloop Nieuwsblad, where he was the second strongest behind Van der Poel and also finished third.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If I see how I felt in the end after all the climbs and after such a hard race, maybe I had better legs \u2013 but I&#8217;m never gonna say that I would be able to follow and beat Mathieu.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8e157691-b487-46d3-b8f5-a0bc8b100c67\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics 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 Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/my-companions-decided-to-gamble-florian-vermeersch-disappointed-at-lack-of-cooperation-after-chasers-let-mathieu-van-der-poel-stay-away-in-final-kilometre-of-e3-saxo-classic\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders UAE Team Emirates-XRG Florian Vermeersch &#8216;My companions decided to gamble&#8217; \u2013 Florian Vermeersch disappointed at lack of cooperation after chasers let Mathieu van der Poel stay away in final kilometre of E3 Saxo Classic News By James Moultrie published 27 March 2026 UAE Team Emirates-XRG DS says [&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-1851431","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\/1851431","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=1851431"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851431\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1851431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1851431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1851431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}