2026 E3 Saxo Classic Thrills as Van der Poel Completes Hat-Trick in Dramatic Finale

Harelbeke, Belgium – March 27, 2026 — The 68th edition of the E3 Saxo Classic (E3 Harelbeke) delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent years. Covering 208.8 km of cobbled sectors, iconic climbs, and narrow Flemish farm roads, the race once again lived up to its reputation as the explosive opener to the Classics season.
Van der Poel’s Long Solo Nearly Unravels—But He Holds On
Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) once again asserted his dominance on the cobbles. Launching a decisive attack on the Taaienberg, he committed to a long-range solo effort, riding alone for over 60 km.
What initially appeared to be a race-winning move turned into a dramatic fight for survival. A determined four-man chase group launched a late surge, slashing the gap to just a few seconds in the closing kilometers.
In a tense and tactical finale, hesitation within the chase group proved decisive. A lack of full cooperation allowed van der Poel just enough margin to hold on, crossing the line with a razor-thin advantage of approximately 3–5 seconds.
With this victory, he secured his third consecutive E3 Saxo Classic title (2024–2026)—further cementing his status as one of the dominant forces in modern Classics racing.
Final Podium
1st: Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands) - Alpecin-Deceuninck
2nd: Per Strand Hagenes (Norway) - Team Visma | Lease a Bike
3rd: Florian Vermeersch (Belgium) - UAE Team Emirates-XRG
The top three finished within seconds of each other. Hagenes claimed second place by winning the sprint from the chase group, marking a major breakthrough for the 22–year–old Norwegian. Vermeersch played a key role in the pursuit but ultimately settled for third.
Also prominent in the finale were Stan Dewulf (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) and Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), completing the top five.
Race Highlight: Hesitation Defines the Outcome
This edition of the E3 Saxo Classic will be remembered as much for the chasers’ hesitation as for van der Poel’s strength. Despite closing in rapidly, the pursuit group faltered at critical moments, losing momentum through tactical indecision.
The result was a dramatic stalemate — one that ultimately decided the outcome.
Looking Ahead to the Flemish Classics
The thrilling finale sets the stage for an exciting Classics campaign. With races like Gent-Wevelgem and, most notably, the Tour of Flanders approaching, anticipation is building—especially with the expected return of riders like Tadej Pogačar.
Why the E3 Saxo Classic Matters
Often referred to as a “mini Tour of Flanders,” the E3 Harelbeke remains a key benchmark for cobbled racing. It tests not only power and endurance, but also positioning and tactical awareness.
Van der Poel’s hat-trick further solidifies his legacy in the Belgian Classics, while the strong performances from emerging riders like Hagenes highlight a new generation ready to challenge the established order.