{"id":1851440,"date":"2026-03-27T19:29:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851440"},"modified":"2026-03-27T19:29:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:29:04","slug":"its-not-up-to-us-or-there-is-no-more-time-to-gamble-how-big-teams-in-the-peloton-failed-to-chase-down-mathieu-van-der-poel-in-e3-saxo-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851440","title":{"rendered":"&#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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nE3 Saxo Classic\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T19:29:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Peloton was at one point only 30 seconds behind solo Dutchman, with numbers for many teams, but directors from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Lidl-Trek disagree on where chasing responsibility lies<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pedersen followed by Trentin and a line of riders on cobblestone road. Fans cheer from behind barriers<\/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 w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; 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-11603aa1-4f3e-4313-bc3e-372b5f74ddf3\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s third victory in the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday was not a demolition. Not only was he nearly caught in the final kilometre by a strong chasing group, but his gap was never massive, not growing over 30 seconds for a long time after his earliest attack. Several times during the race, the Dutchman looked catchable.<\/p>\n<p>First following Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) on the Taaienberg and then going through and past the next group to chase solo towards the head of the race, Van der Poel was strong but not unstoppable.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11603aa1-4f3e-4313-bc3e-372b5f74ddf3-2\">His gap did not balloon and keep going out, as we might see with a Tadej Poga\u010dar solo raid. In fact, with still 50km to go, he was not yet in the lead and hovering only 30 seconds ahead of a group containing riders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Laurence Pithie (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) and their teammates.<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-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\">As it happened: Thrilling finale at E3 Saxo Classic comes down to the wire <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Even in the finale, as the four chasers \u2013 who attacked out of the hesitant larger group \u2013 narrowly failed to catch Van der Poel, the remnants of the peloton were closing in fast but not fast enough, eventually finishing just 24 seconds down on the winner.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This should have been a closeable gap at several different moments, especially when so many teams had numbers, and at the point when Van der Poel still had work to do to catch the early break, on his own. But the main group didn&#8217;t close it. Why?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There were different takes at the finish line in Harelbeke, with one DS saying &#8220;there is no time any more to gamble&#8221; whilst a rival director insisted that &#8220;sometimes it&#8217;s a gamble, but we made our choice&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It seems, as it often is, that it was a matter of disagreement over responsibility, and indeed the best way to approach things: launch smaller attacks, or work together to chase down Van der Poel. The latter seems, on paper, like it could have worked, but the teams did not want to help each other.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi 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>The team with the most numbers \u2013 and a strong rider in Van Dijke \u2013 initially opted for a more aggressive approach, sending a lone Jan Tratnik in pursuit of Van der Poel, which failed. They then missed the four-rider chase group that broke away from the main group, and only then committed to chasing as a team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;At a certain moment, it was up to us to start pulling, because we were there with four, five guys. You had Mathieu in front, and then you had the four chasers, and then you had a group of 35, 40 riders, and we were there with four riders. So in the end you take responsibility,&#8221; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sports director Sven Vanthourenhout told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know, OK, maybe you close it, and maybe you don&#8217;t, but you have to do something in that moment. It was up to us and Lidl-Trek \u2013 I expected a bit more support from them \u2013 and then also Soudal-QuickStep, these were the missing teams who were not in front, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/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\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-150-80.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;Even for Mathieu the race is way over the limit&#8217; \u2013 Van der Poel may be king of the Classics, but here&#8217;s why he won&#8217;t race Strade Bianche in its current form<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Belgian DS did not lament his riders efforts, who he said did all they could in the chase, but couldn&#8217;t do a lot more with the collaboration they did \u2013 or didn&#8217;t \u2013 get.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The guys pulled on the limit, but they didn&#8217;t close it. Maybe if we had more help&#8230; The guys from Groupama also did a good support but in that moment, there is no time any more to gamble. In that moment, the four or five strongest guys from the race are in front and then you have to pull.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As Vanthourenhout pointed out, a lot of eyes certainly were on Lidl-Trek, who had Mads Pedersen and Mathias Vacek in the main group, with Edward Theuns also briefly there, caught from the early breakaway. But Pedersen and Vacek tried their own digs, rather than committing one rider to try and chase.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We took our responsibility earlier in the race,&#8221; Lidl DS Michael Sch\u00e4r asserted to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;Then we were quite alone and other teams took their responsibility and at one point it looked like it would come back, so sometimes it&#8217;s a gamble, but we made our choice and that&#8217;s how it is. Sometimes you come back and sometimes you don&#8217;t.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Though often looked at as protagonists in the Classics, Sch\u00e4r was pragmatic in his reasoning for the team not doing more work in chasing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We were outnumbered,&#8221; he said simply. &#8220;Other teams had four riders, five riders; we only had our two there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Other teams also pointed to small numbers as a reason not to commit any rider to the chase, though Tudor&#8217;s Matteo Trentin also pointed to the level of confusion about groups and gaps as to why the chase perhaps did not get organised at the point when gaps were still small enough to close.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;To be honest, personally with us, our radio was broken, so we didn&#8217;t know anything. We knew there was a break of whoever the guy was, plus the original breakaway, plus Van der Poel, plus people coming back. So I really had no clue what was going on,&#8221; Trentin told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Then actually at the end of the day it was only me and Marco Haller in the chasing group so it&#8217;s not up to us. I think everyone was just waiting to go over the climbs to then actually organise and go.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-teams-take-positive-view\"><span>Teams take positive view<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a6d083e2-c4ef-4126-8da6-c06b61d8942f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) started the move on the Taaienberg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e35de99f-a031-49a9-91ef-a3a2b2fe6313\">Even though teams like Red Bull, Lidl-Trek and Soudal-QuickStep ultimately came away without a result, partly due to their own tactics, there were a lot of directors taking positives out of the situation rather than frustration.<\/p>\n<p>For Lidl-Trek, it was positive signs to see Mads Pedersen not too far off the pace in key moments, only two races into his speedy return from injury.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For me we had a good race. Mads was there, but at the point Mathieu went he was a bit too far out of position, which is sometimes the reality in Flemish Classics, but all in all, it was OK,&#8221; Sch\u00e4r said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The form, we know, is here, more the question is his hand and the hand held up today, these are all positive notes we take out of it. So we have to see it in a positive way and Mads finished in the top 10 with the hand and everything he came from.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>For Pedersen, who finished ninth in the end, eyes will be on the flatter In Flanders Fields (formerly Gent-Wevelgem) race coming on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The condition is there. E3 in the last years was good, yes, but in the history of Mads, E3 was not always top top, so this is a good note and we are very positive for Gent-Wevelgem which fits our characteristics even more,&#8221; Sch\u00e4r said.<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull were perhaps the biggest &#8216;losers&#8217;, essentially initiating the move that drew out Van der Poel, but missing the chasing move that nearly caught him. The team managed to get only one rider in the top 10 \u2013 Gianni Vermeersch in eighth \u2013 despite their numbers, but they were surprisingly upbeat about their efforts ahead of the next Classics.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was important to see again the good commitment but it&#8217;s not easy, it&#8217;s a WorldTour race, a really hard one-day race,&#8221; Vanthourenhout said. &#8220;In the end it was good to see the commitment, good collaboration between the guys, but two or three times we missed the really important move and in these races it&#8217;s not easy to go into the final with the right moves.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Whether these positive words actually turn into better results in the coming races remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: several teams had a chance on Friday to deny Van der Poel another win but \u2013 whichever way you spin it \u2013 they did not take it, and who knows when another opportunity like that may arrive.<\/p>\n<p><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 Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi 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\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.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\">Laura Weislo<\/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\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-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\">As it happened: Thrilling finale at E3 Saxo Classic comes down to the wire <\/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\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-320-80.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;Even for Mathieu the race is way over the limit&#8217; \u2013 Van der Poel may be king of the Classics, but here&#8217;s why he won&#8217;t race Strade Bianche in its current form<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2026 route<\/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\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-320-80.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\">Amstel Gold Race 2026 route<\/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\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition past winners<\/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\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-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\">Amstel Gold Race past winners<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nE3 Saxo Classic\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T19:29:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Peloton was at one point only 30 seconds behind solo Dutchman, with numbers for many teams, but directors from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Lidl-Trek disagree on where chasing responsibility lies<\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pedersen followed by Trentin and a line of riders on cobblestone road. 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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-11603aa1-4f3e-4313-bc3e-372b5f74ddf3\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s third victory in the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday was not a demolition. Not only was he nearly caught in the final kilometre by a strong chasing group, but his gap was never massive, not growing over 30 seconds for a long time after his earliest attack. Several times during the race, the Dutchman looked catchable.<\/p>\n<p>First following Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) on the Taaienberg and then going through and past the next group to chase solo towards the head of the race, Van der Poel was strong but not unstoppable.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11603aa1-4f3e-4313-bc3e-372b5f74ddf3-2\">His gap did not balloon and keep going out, as we might see with a Tadej Poga\u010dar solo raid. In fact, with still 50km to go, he was not yet in the lead and hovering only 30 seconds ahead of a group containing riders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Laurence Pithie (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) and their teammates.<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-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\">As it happened: Thrilling finale at E3 Saxo Classic comes down to the wire <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Even in the finale, as the four chasers \u2013 who attacked out of the hesitant larger group \u2013 narrowly failed to catch Van der Poel, the remnants of the peloton were closing in fast but not fast enough, eventually finishing just 24 seconds down on the winner.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This should have been a closeable gap at several different moments, especially when so many teams had numbers, and at the point when Van der Poel still had work to do to catch the early break, on his own. But the main group didn&#8217;t close it. Why?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There were different takes at the finish line in Harelbeke, with one DS saying &#8220;there is no time any more to gamble&#8221; whilst a rival director insisted that &#8220;sometimes it&#8217;s a gamble, but we made our choice&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It seems, as it often is, that it was a matter of disagreement over responsibility, and indeed the best way to approach things: launch smaller attacks, or work together to chase down Van der Poel. The latter seems, on paper, like it could have worked, but the teams did not want to help each other.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi 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>The team with the most numbers \u2013 and a strong rider in Van Dijke \u2013 initially opted for a more aggressive approach, sending a lone Jan Tratnik in pursuit of Van der Poel, which failed. They then missed the four-rider chase group that broke away from the main group, and only then committed to chasing as a team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;At a certain moment, it was up to us to start pulling, because we were there with four, five guys. You had Mathieu in front, and then you had the four chasers, and then you had a group of 35, 40 riders, and we were there with four riders. So in the end you take responsibility,&#8221; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sports director Sven Vanthourenhout told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know, OK, maybe you close it, and maybe you don&#8217;t, but you have to do something in that moment. It was up to us and Lidl-Trek \u2013 I expected a bit more support from them \u2013 and then also Soudal-QuickStep, these were the missing teams who were not in front, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/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\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-150-80.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;Even for Mathieu the race is way over the limit&#8217; \u2013 Van der Poel may be king of the Classics, but here&#8217;s why he won&#8217;t race Strade Bianche in its current form<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Belgian DS did not lament his riders efforts, who he said did all they could in the chase, but couldn&#8217;t do a lot more with the collaboration they did \u2013 or didn&#8217;t \u2013 get.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The guys pulled on the limit, but they didn&#8217;t close it. Maybe if we had more help&#8230; The guys from Groupama also did a good support but in that moment, there is no time any more to gamble. In that moment, the four or five strongest guys from the race are in front and then you have to pull.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As Vanthourenhout pointed out, a lot of eyes certainly were on Lidl-Trek, who had Mads Pedersen and Mathias Vacek in the main group, with Edward Theuns also briefly there, caught from the early breakaway. But Pedersen and Vacek tried their own digs, rather than committing one rider to try and chase.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We took our responsibility earlier in the race,&#8221; Lidl DS Michael Sch\u00e4r asserted to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;Then we were quite alone and other teams took their responsibility and at one point it looked like it would come back, so sometimes it&#8217;s a gamble, but we made our choice and that&#8217;s how it is. Sometimes you come back and sometimes you don&#8217;t.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Though often looked at as protagonists in the Classics, Sch\u00e4r was pragmatic in his reasoning for the team not doing more work in chasing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We were outnumbered,&#8221; he said simply. &#8220;Other teams had four riders, five riders; we only had our two there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Other teams also pointed to small numbers as a reason not to commit any rider to the chase, though Tudor&#8217;s Matteo Trentin also pointed to the level of confusion about groups and gaps as to why the chase perhaps did not get organised at the point when gaps were still small enough to close.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;To be honest, personally with us, our radio was broken, so we didn&#8217;t know anything. We knew there was a break of whoever the guy was, plus the original breakaway, plus Van der Poel, plus people coming back. So I really had no clue what was going on,&#8221; Trentin told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Then actually at the end of the day it was only me and Marco Haller in the chasing group so it&#8217;s not up to us. I think everyone was just waiting to go over the climbs to then actually organise and go.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-teams-take-positive-view\"><span>Teams take positive view<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a6d083e2-c4ef-4126-8da6-c06b61d8942f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) started the move on the Taaienberg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e35de99f-a031-49a9-91ef-a3a2b2fe6313\">Even though teams like Red Bull, Lidl-Trek and Soudal-QuickStep ultimately came away without a result, partly due to their own tactics, there were a lot of directors taking positives out of the situation rather than frustration.<\/p>\n<p>For Lidl-Trek, it was positive signs to see Mads Pedersen not too far off the pace in key moments, only two races into his speedy return from injury.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For me we had a good race. Mads was there, but at the point Mathieu went he was a bit too far out of position, which is sometimes the reality in Flemish Classics, but all in all, it was OK,&#8221; Sch\u00e4r said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The form, we know, is here, more the question is his hand and the hand held up today, these are all positive notes we take out of it. So we have to see it in a positive way and Mads finished in the top 10 with the hand and everything he came from.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>For Pedersen, who finished ninth in the end, eyes will be on the flatter In Flanders Fields (formerly Gent-Wevelgem) race coming on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The condition is there. E3 in the last years was good, yes, but in the history of Mads, E3 was not always top top, so this is a good note and we are very positive for Gent-Wevelgem which fits our characteristics even more,&#8221; Sch\u00e4r said.<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull were perhaps the biggest &#8216;losers&#8217;, essentially initiating the move that drew out Van der Poel, but missing the chasing move that nearly caught him. The team managed to get only one rider in the top 10 \u2013 Gianni Vermeersch in eighth \u2013 despite their numbers, but they were surprisingly upbeat about their efforts ahead of the next Classics.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was important to see again the good commitment but it&#8217;s not easy, it&#8217;s a WorldTour race, a really hard one-day race,&#8221; Vanthourenhout said. &#8220;In the end it was good to see the commitment, good collaboration between the guys, but two or three times we missed the really important move and in these races it&#8217;s not easy to go into the final with the right moves.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Whether these positive words actually turn into better results in the coming races remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: several teams had a chance on Friday to deny Van der Poel another win but \u2013 whichever way you spin it \u2013 they did not take it, and who knows when another opportunity like that may arrive.<\/p>\n<p><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 Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi 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\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi.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\">Laura Weislo<\/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\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-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\">As it happened: Thrilling finale at E3 Saxo Classic comes down to the wire <\/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\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-320-80.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;Even for Mathieu the race is way over the limit&#8217; \u2013 Van der Poel may be king of the Classics, but here&#8217;s why he won&#8217;t race Strade Bianche in its current form<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/izcWNxyRNPwEDiSaSfDDoh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition 2026 route<\/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\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LNwgYacBFhgVsiFiYVTzc4-320-80.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\">Amstel Gold Race 2026 route<\/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\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8bmqtwj2g9GN9sE49AHDDa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition past winners<\/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\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vVm5VLQ83jUjReZtuvYN9F-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\">Amstel Gold Race past winners<\/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\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DgvHgzcJviF7nsZBdAJJV9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Volta a Catalunya: Jonas Vingegaard dominates stage 5 mountaintop finish to Coll de Pal for solo victory<\/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\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nE3 Saxo Classic\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T19:29:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Peloton was at one point only 30 seconds behind solo Dutchman, with numbers for many teams, but directors from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Lidl-Trek disagree on where chasing responsibility lies<\/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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Not only was he nearly caught in the final kilometre by a strong chasing group, but his gap was never massive, not growing over 30 seconds for a long time after his earliest attack. Several times during the race, the Dutchman looked catchable.<\/p>\n<p>First following Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) on the Taaienberg and then going through and past the next group to chase solo towards the head of the race, Van der Poel was strong but not unstoppable.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11603aa1-4f3e-4313-bc3e-372b5f74ddf3-2\">His gap did not balloon and keep going out, as we might see with a Tadej Poga\u010dar solo raid. In fact, with still 50km to go, he was not yet in the lead and hovering only 30 seconds ahead of a group containing riders like Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Laurence Pithie (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Christophe Laporte (Visma-Lease a Bike) and their teammates.<\/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\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aQTYbSjEYWp6ZjCnA4Rk5F-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;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<\/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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-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\">As it happened: Thrilling finale at E3 Saxo Classic comes down to the wire <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Even in the finale, as the four chasers \u2013 who attacked out of the hesitant larger group \u2013 narrowly failed to catch Van der Poel, the remnants of the peloton were closing in fast but not fast enough, eventually finishing just 24 seconds down on the winner.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This should have been a closeable gap at several different moments, especially when so many teams had numbers, and at the point when Van der Poel still had work to do to catch the early break, on his own. But the main group didn&#8217;t close it. Why?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">There were different takes at the finish line in Harelbeke, with one DS saying &#8220;there is no time any more to gamble&#8221; whilst a rival director insisted that &#8220;sometimes it&#8217;s a gamble, but we made our choice&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It seems, as it often is, that it was a matter of disagreement over responsibility, and indeed the best way to approach things: launch smaller attacks, or work together to chase down Van der Poel. The latter seems, on paper, like it could have worked, but the teams did not want to help each other.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-hsgsHYy32LR2rFfTYG2NVi 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>The team with the most numbers \u2013 and a strong rider in Van Dijke \u2013 initially opted for a more aggressive approach, sending a lone Jan Tratnik in pursuit of Van der Poel, which failed. They then missed the four-rider chase group that broke away from the main group, and only then committed to chasing as a team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;At a certain moment, it was up to us to start pulling, because we were there with four, five guys. You had Mathieu in front, and then you had the four chasers, and then you had a group of 35, 40 riders, and we were there with four riders. So in the end you take responsibility,&#8221; Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sports director Sven Vanthourenhout told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know, OK, maybe you close it, and maybe you don&#8217;t, but you have to do something in that moment. It was up to us and Lidl-Trek \u2013 I expected a bit more support from them \u2013 and then also Soudal-QuickStep, these were the missing teams who were not in front, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/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\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RttXU4rieRczNfHkSWUkE5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Game changer: How Mathieu van der Poel will completely alter the shape of this year&#8217;s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hzM6c5GgJrbmmxurxK6Rk3-150-80.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;Even for Mathieu the race is way over the limit&#8217; \u2013 Van der Poel may be king of the Classics, but here&#8217;s why he won&#8217;t race Strade Bianche in its current form<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The Belgian DS did not lament his riders efforts, who he said did all they could in the chase, but couldn&#8217;t do a lot more with the collaboration they did \u2013 or didn&#8217;t \u2013 get.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;The guys pulled on the limit, but they didn&#8217;t close it. Maybe if we had more help&#8230; The guys from Groupama also did a good support but in that moment, there is no time any more to gamble. In that moment, the four or five strongest guys from the race are in front and then you have to pull.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">As Vanthourenhout pointed out, a lot of eyes certainly were on Lidl-Trek, who had Mads Pedersen and Mathias Vacek in the main group, with Edward Theuns also briefly there, caught from the early breakaway. But Pedersen and Vacek tried their own digs, rather than committing one rider to try and chase.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We took our responsibility earlier in the race,&#8221; Lidl DS Michael Sch\u00e4r asserted to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>. &#8220;Then we were quite alone and other teams took their responsibility and at one point it looked like it would come back, so sometimes it&#8217;s a gamble, but we made our choice and that&#8217;s how it is. Sometimes you come back and sometimes you don&#8217;t.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Though often looked at as protagonists in the Classics, Sch\u00e4r was pragmatic in his reasoning for the team not doing more work in chasing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We were outnumbered,&#8221; he said simply. &#8220;Other teams had four riders, five riders; we only had our two there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Other teams also pointed to small numbers as a reason not to commit any rider to the chase, though Tudor&#8217;s Matteo Trentin also pointed to the level of confusion about groups and gaps as to why the chase perhaps did not get organised at the point when gaps were still small enough to close.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;To be honest, personally with us, our radio was broken, so we didn&#8217;t know anything. We knew there was a break of whoever the guy was, plus the original breakaway, plus Van der Poel, plus people coming back. So I really had no clue what was going on,&#8221; Trentin told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Then actually at the end of the day it was only me and Marco Haller in the chasing group so it&#8217;s not up to us. I think everyone was just waiting to go over the climbs to then actually organise and go.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-teams-take-positive-view\"><span>Teams take positive view<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a6d083e2-c4ef-4126-8da6-c06b61d8942f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oeY4tyQn69WV6AzeYJwBt-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) started the move on the Taaienberg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e35de99f-a031-49a9-91ef-a3a2b2fe6313\">Even though teams like Red Bull, Lidl-Trek and Soudal-QuickStep ultimately came away without a result, partly due to their own tactics, there were a lot of directors taking positives out of the situation rather than frustration.<\/p>\n<p>For Lidl-Trek, it was positive signs to see Mads Pedersen not too far off the pace in key moments, only two races into his speedy return from injury.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For me we had a good race. Mads was there, but at the point Mathieu went he was a bit too far out of position, which is sometimes the reality in Flemish Classics, but all in all, it was OK,&#8221; Sch\u00e4r said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The form, we know, is here, more the question is his hand and the hand held up today, these are all positive notes we take out of it. So we have to see it in a positive way and Mads finished in the top 10 with the hand and everything he came from.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>For Pedersen, who finished ninth in the end, eyes will be on the flatter In Flanders Fields (formerly Gent-Wevelgem) race coming on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The condition is there. E3 in the last years was good, yes, but in the history of Mads, E3 was not always top top, so this is a good note and we are very positive for Gent-Wevelgem which fits our characteristics even more,&#8221; Sch\u00e4r said.<\/p>\n<p>Red Bull were perhaps the biggest &#8216;losers&#8217;, essentially initiating the move that drew out Van der Poel, but missing the chasing move that nearly caught him. The team managed to get only one rider in the top 10 \u2013 Gianni Vermeersch in eighth \u2013 despite their numbers, but they were surprisingly upbeat about their efforts ahead of the next Classics.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was important to see again the good commitment but it&#8217;s not easy, it&#8217;s a WorldTour race, a really hard one-day race,&#8221; Vanthourenhout said. &#8220;In the end it was good to see the commitment, good collaboration between the guys, but two or three times we missed the really important move and in these races it&#8217;s not easy to go into the final with the right moves.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Whether these positive words actually turn into better results in the coming races remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: several teams had a chance on Friday to deny Van der Poel another win but \u2013 whichever way you spin it \u2013 they did not take it, and who knows when another opportunity like that may arrive.<\/p>\n<p><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 Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/its-not-up-to-us-or-there-is-no-more-time-to-gamble-how-big-teams-in-the-peloton-failed-chase-down-mathieu-van-der-poel-in-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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road E3 Saxo Classic &#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 News By Laura Weislo published 27 March 2026 Peloton was at one point only [&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-1851440","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\/1851440","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=1851440"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851440\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1851440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1851440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1851440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}