{"id":1851442,"date":"2026-03-27T19:42:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851442"},"modified":"2026-03-27T19:42:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:42:04","slug":"i-gave-up-actually-because-they-were-so-close-mathieu-van-der-poel-made-to-look-human-despite-completing-e3-saxo-classic-hat-trick-with-one-of-my-best-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1851442","title":{"rendered":"&#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;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T19:42:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman talks through 63km solo win after chasing quartet fumbled the catch in the final kilometres of a dramatic edition<\/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\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Side view close up of Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech with his head on his hands on the handlebars<\/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\" 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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 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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-0d6f26fa-28fe-4d9c-bfff-a0a89de21da2\">It&#8217;s typically only Tadej Poga\u010dar who can make Mathieu van der Poel accept defeat in the toughest one-day races, but after 63 kilometres almost entirely on his own in front at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday and with a four-man chase group bearing down on him, the Dutchman had all but given in as he started to run out of steam.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I gave up, actually, because they were so close,&#8221; admitted Van der Poel during his winner&#8217;s press conference after narrowly holding on for the victory. &#8220;But then I thought, if I wait now and they come back and it&#8217;s a sprint, for sure, I&#8217;ll come last in the group because I was on the limit.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d6f26fa-28fe-4d9c-bfff-a0a89de21da2-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think they also thought I gave up, and then I just tried one more time, seated, to go as fast as possible to the finish line, and I think that they doubted a little bit behind and then I could make it to the finish.<\/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\/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-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\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-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m just really happy because it&#8217;s always shit if you put so much effort into a breakaway like this, and then you get caught at 1k to go, that would have been really shit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van der Poel first went solo up the Boigneberg after following a Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) acceleration on the Taaienberg and moving away from many of his expected rivals before the last 70km. After which he caught the two groups in front of him, before eventually attacking away alone and atop the Paterberg with 42.2km left to complete.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I already saw that nobody is going to work with me, so I wanted to attack, and to have one or two riders with me that would work with me, but then I was alone at the top, and there was no way back,&#8221; he said before explaining how the conditions would come to affect him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was one of my best efforts, actually, because the wind made it really hard when I went alone, and already the first 30km I had to do alone against the wind, it was really hard.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R 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>At this point, though, the race looked as good as done \u2013 as it has been the past two years \u2013 and Van der Poel looked set for a dominant hat-trick at the 202km race that follows many of the same roads as the upcoming Tour of Flanders in just over a week&#8217;s time.<\/p>\n<p>Even after his crash and defeat at Milan-San Remo, Van der Poel had seemingly removed any doubts over his finger injury \u2013 which was &#8220;annoying but not overly painful&#8221; almost a week on \u2013 and his form after getting dropped on the Poggio, but the race was far from over.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faltering-in-the-final-5km-and-what-it-might-mean-for-flanders-3\">Faltering in the final 5km and what it might mean for Flanders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07b32fcf-c9a7-4734-a77d-9b3a99529711\">\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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-208c543f-ff62-4e05-bdfc-caa6b12f483f\">He failed to extend his gap past a minute, and even with poor cooperation in the various groups behind, he remained around only 55 seconds ahead. This was being threatened by Florian Vermeersch, Jonas Abrahamsen and Per Strand Hagenes, who got away from the peloton in the final 30km, and joined up with early breakaway remnant Stan Dewulf to form a powerful quartet.<\/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\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Mathieu van der Poel storms to solo victory with stinging Muur van Geraardsbergen attack<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/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>They worked to chase down the faltering Dutchman \u2013 a rare sight in itself \u2013 but even he couldn&#8217;t muster up the strength to outpower four against one into a headwind, and the gap started to plummet down in the final 5km when Van der Poel ran out of steam.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the rider with the best killer instinct at the finish in the peloton, Van der Poel hoped that the situation which eventually unfolded would come true; that the group behind would look at each other, with Vermeersch calling his companions&#8217; bluff just three seconds behind Van der Poel after doing the lion&#8217;s share of the work and allowing him to stay away.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I knew it was going to be really difficult, like I said, I knew the gap was going to come down,&#8221; said Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I just tried to fight as hard as possible, hoping that they would start looking at each other the closer we got to the finish line, because they were also thinking about the victory when they came closer.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I just did the best I could, actually, and I didn&#8217;t pay too much attention to the time gap.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In reality, this was his only option according to Alpecin-Premier Tech, and though their star man did look vulnerable even without Poga\u010dar present on the start line of E3, they will both be hoping he has more performance to gain before their next face-off at De Ronde on April 5.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think it&#8217;s quite obvious that after trying to stay away like he did that, he didn&#8217;t count on sprinting anymore, because that would have been a little bit too optimistic,&#8221; team co-owner Philip Roodhooft told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In that way, it was easy for him in the decision-making process. I think in the end, he was not saying anything anymore. He just tried to stay ahead, and it worked out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After all, one of those who almost caught him in Friday&#8217;s finale, Vermeersch, will be just one of UAE&#8217;s star supporting cast for Poga\u010dar at the centre piece of the Flemish racing period in nine days time. If he falters as he did in the last 5km in the face of the Slovenian, he will surely be left behind as he was in 2023 and 2025.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-991e21d7-0a0b-4bd3-a9d5-62e15a867af5\"><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 class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-320-80.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\">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Mathieu van der Poel storms to solo victory with stinging Muur van Geraardsbergen attack<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may well turn out that he&#8217;s a one-day rider&#8217; \u2013 Former manager Patrick Lefevere questions Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s racing priorities<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I should probably have done more research&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock leapfrogs Remco Evenepoel on Volta a Catalunya GC thanks to day of bonus seconds hunting <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tears in my eyes&#8217; \u2013 Marcel Kittel ecstatic as Dylan Groenewegen collaboration bears fruit with Rockets&#8217; first WorldTour win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Today I lost a life for sure&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock &#8216;OK&#8217; after crashing into a ravine in the Volta a Catalunya out of sight of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T19:42:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman talks through 63km solo win after chasing quartet fumbled the catch in the final kilometres of a dramatic edition<\/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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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-0d6f26fa-28fe-4d9c-bfff-a0a89de21da2\">It&#8217;s typically only Tadej Poga\u010dar who can make Mathieu van der Poel accept defeat in the toughest one-day races, but after 63 kilometres almost entirely on his own in front at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday and with a four-man chase group bearing down on him, the Dutchman had all but given in as he started to run out of steam.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I gave up, actually, because they were so close,&#8221; admitted Van der Poel during his winner&#8217;s press conference after narrowly holding on for the victory. &#8220;But then I thought, if I wait now and they come back and it&#8217;s a sprint, for sure, I&#8217;ll come last in the group because I was on the limit.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d6f26fa-28fe-4d9c-bfff-a0a89de21da2-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think they also thought I gave up, and then I just tried one more time, seated, to go as fast as possible to the finish line, and I think that they doubted a little bit behind and then I could make it to the finish.<\/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\/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-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\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-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m just really happy because it&#8217;s always shit if you put so much effort into a breakaway like this, and then you get caught at 1k to go, that would have been really shit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van der Poel first went solo up the Boigneberg after following a Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) acceleration on the Taaienberg and moving away from many of his expected rivals before the last 70km. After which he caught the two groups in front of him, before eventually attacking away alone and atop the Paterberg with 42.2km left to complete.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I already saw that nobody is going to work with me, so I wanted to attack, and to have one or two riders with me that would work with me, but then I was alone at the top, and there was no way back,&#8221; he said before explaining how the conditions would come to affect him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was one of my best efforts, actually, because the wind made it really hard when I went alone, and already the first 30km I had to do alone against the wind, it was really hard.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R 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>At this point, though, the race looked as good as done \u2013 as it has been the past two years \u2013 and Van der Poel looked set for a dominant hat-trick at the 202km race that follows many of the same roads as the upcoming Tour of Flanders in just over a week&#8217;s time.<\/p>\n<p>Even after his crash and defeat at Milan-San Remo, Van der Poel had seemingly removed any doubts over his finger injury \u2013 which was &#8220;annoying but not overly painful&#8221; almost a week on \u2013 and his form after getting dropped on the Poggio, but the race was far from over.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faltering-in-the-final-5km-and-what-it-might-mean-for-flanders-3\">Faltering in the final 5km and what it might mean for Flanders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07b32fcf-c9a7-4734-a77d-9b3a99529711\">\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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-208c543f-ff62-4e05-bdfc-caa6b12f483f\">He failed to extend his gap past a minute, and even with poor cooperation in the various groups behind, he remained around only 55 seconds ahead. This was being threatened by Florian Vermeersch, Jonas Abrahamsen and Per Strand Hagenes, who got away from the peloton in the final 30km, and joined up with early breakaway remnant Stan Dewulf to form a powerful quartet.<\/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\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Mathieu van der Poel storms to solo victory with stinging Muur van Geraardsbergen attack<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/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>They worked to chase down the faltering Dutchman \u2013 a rare sight in itself \u2013 but even he couldn&#8217;t muster up the strength to outpower four against one into a headwind, and the gap started to plummet down in the final 5km when Van der Poel ran out of steam.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the rider with the best killer instinct at the finish in the peloton, Van der Poel hoped that the situation which eventually unfolded would come true; that the group behind would look at each other, with Vermeersch calling his companions&#8217; bluff just three seconds behind Van der Poel after doing the lion&#8217;s share of the work and allowing him to stay away.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I knew it was going to be really difficult, like I said, I knew the gap was going to come down,&#8221; said Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I just tried to fight as hard as possible, hoping that they would start looking at each other the closer we got to the finish line, because they were also thinking about the victory when they came closer.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I just did the best I could, actually, and I didn&#8217;t pay too much attention to the time gap.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In reality, this was his only option according to Alpecin-Premier Tech, and though their star man did look vulnerable even without Poga\u010dar present on the start line of E3, they will both be hoping he has more performance to gain before their next face-off at De Ronde on April 5.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think it&#8217;s quite obvious that after trying to stay away like he did that, he didn&#8217;t count on sprinting anymore, because that would have been a little bit too optimistic,&#8221; team co-owner Philip Roodhooft told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In that way, it was easy for him in the decision-making process. I think in the end, he was not saying anything anymore. He just tried to stay ahead, and it worked out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After all, one of those who almost caught him in Friday&#8217;s finale, Vermeersch, will be just one of UAE&#8217;s star supporting cast for Poga\u010dar at the centre piece of the Flemish racing period in nine days time. If he falters as he did in the last 5km in the face of the Slovenian, he will surely be left behind as he was in 2023 and 2025.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-991e21d7-0a0b-4bd3-a9d5-62e15a867af5\"><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 class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/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\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-320-80.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\">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Mathieu van der Poel storms to solo victory with stinging Muur van Geraardsbergen attack<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/M4LHVEvz6Ex8kW2Xj923hn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It may well turn out that he&#8217;s a one-day rider&#8217; \u2013 Former manager Patrick Lefevere questions Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s racing priorities<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZZzU5zTWeAXLNuNfs9gWR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Keegan Swenson &#8216;pain free&#8217; after hip fracture but new schedule has him skip European race in order to focus on Unbound 200<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mVGpMEszYm6NaD55tT5M97-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I should probably have done more research&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock leapfrogs Remco Evenepoel on Volta a Catalunya GC thanks to day of bonus seconds hunting <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tN5A5YqCzK8fYBwYztzAue-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have tears in my eyes&#8217; \u2013 Marcel Kittel ecstatic as Dylan Groenewegen collaboration bears fruit with Rockets&#8217; first WorldTour win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gcWrEqGN7MV4UyHkTaW2v4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Today I lost a life for sure&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock &#8216;OK&#8217; after crashing into a ravine in the Volta a Catalunya out of sight of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/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>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#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;<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-27T19:42:04Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman talks through 63km solo win after chasing quartet fumbled the catch in the final kilometres of a dramatic edition<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-0d6f26fa-28fe-4d9c-bfff-a0a89de21da2\">It&#8217;s typically only Tadej Poga\u010dar who can make Mathieu van der Poel accept defeat in the toughest one-day races, but after 63 kilometres almost entirely on his own in front at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday and with a four-man chase group bearing down on him, the Dutchman had all but given in as he started to run out of steam.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I gave up, actually, because they were so close,&#8221; admitted Van der Poel during his winner&#8217;s press conference after narrowly holding on for the victory. &#8220;But then I thought, if I wait now and they come back and it&#8217;s a sprint, for sure, I&#8217;ll come last in the group because I was on the limit.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d6f26fa-28fe-4d9c-bfff-a0a89de21da2-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I think they also thought I gave up, and then I just tried one more time, seated, to go as fast as possible to the finish line, and I think that they doubted a little bit behind and then I could make it to the finish.<\/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\/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-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\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-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/y9nBuKzSw9zBxEAyzD6Pu5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s not up to us&#8217; or &#8216;there is no more time to gamble&#8217;? How big teams in the peloton failed to chase down Mathieu van der Poel in E3 Saxo Classic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;m just really happy because it&#8217;s always shit if you put so much effort into a breakaway like this, and then you get caught at 1k to go, that would have been really shit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Van der Poel first went solo up the Boigneberg after following a Tim van Dijke (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) acceleration on the Taaienberg and moving away from many of his expected rivals before the last 70km. After which he caught the two groups in front of him, before eventually attacking away alone and atop the Paterberg with 42.2km left to complete.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I already saw that nobody is going to work with me, so I wanted to attack, and to have one or two riders with me that would work with me, but then I was alone at the top, and there was no way back,&#8221; he said before explaining how the conditions would come to affect him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was one of my best efforts, actually, because the wind made it really hard when I went alone, and already the first 30km I had to do alone against the wind, it was really hard.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-AKGv7N6kczoh6aZ5BopL8R 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>At this point, though, the race looked as good as done \u2013 as it has been the past two years \u2013 and Van der Poel looked set for a dominant hat-trick at the 202km race that follows many of the same roads as the upcoming Tour of Flanders in just over a week&#8217;s time.<\/p>\n<p>Even after his crash and defeat at Milan-San Remo, Van der Poel had seemingly removed any doubts over his finger injury \u2013 which was &#8220;annoying but not overly painful&#8221; almost a week on \u2013 and his form after getting dropped on the Poggio, but the race was far from over.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faltering-in-the-final-5km-and-what-it-might-mean-for-flanders-3\">Faltering in the final 5km and what it might mean for Flanders<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-07b32fcf-c9a7-4734-a77d-9b3a99529711\">\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\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KmCP2fVQs8jJ7ftvKWbUbm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-208c543f-ff62-4e05-bdfc-caa6b12f483f\">He failed to extend his gap past a minute, and even with poor cooperation in the various groups behind, he remained around only 55 seconds ahead. This was being threatened by Florian Vermeersch, Jonas Abrahamsen and Per Strand Hagenes, who got away from the peloton in the final 30km, and joined up with early breakaway remnant Stan Dewulf to form a powerful quartet.<\/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\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jZog7PKmMxaWsMUf6npwH4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Mathieu van der Poel storms to solo victory with stinging Muur van Geraardsbergen attack<\/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\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LWDwHt38fdUHcabetmT6Y-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I believe I&#8217;ll be able to beat him one day&#8217; &#8211; Florian Vermeersch bullish about Classics future after going toe-to-toe with Mathieu Van der Poel in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#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\/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>They worked to chase down the faltering Dutchman \u2013 a rare sight in itself \u2013 but even he couldn&#8217;t muster up the strength to outpower four against one into a headwind, and the gap started to plummet down in the final 5km when Van der Poel ran out of steam.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the rider with the best killer instinct at the finish in the peloton, Van der Poel hoped that the situation which eventually unfolded would come true; that the group behind would look at each other, with Vermeersch calling his companions&#8217; bluff just three seconds behind Van der Poel after doing the lion&#8217;s share of the work and allowing him to stay away.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I knew it was going to be really difficult, like I said, I knew the gap was going to come down,&#8221; said Van der Poel.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I just tried to fight as hard as possible, hoping that they would start looking at each other the closer we got to the finish line, because they were also thinking about the victory when they came closer.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I just did the best I could, actually, and I didn&#8217;t pay too much attention to the time gap.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In reality, this was his only option according to Alpecin-Premier Tech, and though their star man did look vulnerable even without Poga\u010dar present on the start line of E3, they will both be hoping he has more performance to gain before their next face-off at De Ronde on April 5.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think it&#8217;s quite obvious that after trying to stay away like he did that, he didn&#8217;t count on sprinting anymore, because that would have been a little bit too optimistic,&#8221; team co-owner Philip Roodhooft told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In that way, it was easy for him in the decision-making process. I think in the end, he was not saying anything anymore. He just tried to stay ahead, and it worked out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After all, one of those who almost caught him in Friday&#8217;s finale, Vermeersch, will be just one of UAE&#8217;s star supporting cast for Poga\u010dar at the centre piece of the Flemish racing period in nine days time. If he falters as he did in the last 5km in the face of the Slovenian, he will surely be left behind as he was in 2023 and 2025.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-991e21d7-0a0b-4bd3-a9d5-62e15a867af5\"><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\/teams-riders\/i-gave-up-actually-because-they-were-so-close-mathieu-van-der-poel-made-to-look-human-despite-completing-e3-saxo-classic-hat-trick-with-one-of-my-best-efforts\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/737Pk3hyHkMtHMqWNXy5kX-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Alpecin-Premier Tech Mathieu van der Poel &#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; News By James Moultrie published 27 March 2026 Dutchman talks through [&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-1851442","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\/1851442","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=1851442"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851442\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1851442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1851442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1851442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}