E3 Saxo Classic 2026: Favourites
fotobureau Cor VosThe E3 Saxo Classic is a great race in its own right, but also serves as the dress rehearsal for the Ronde van Vlaanderen. The route is similar, only shorter, and usually less hectic. So it goes without saying that the contenders in both races largely overlap.
With its cobbles and short and sharp ramps, the E3 Saxo Classic is perfectly suited to explosive riders with above-average bike-handling skills. The past two editions were won by Mathieu van der Poel, both times with a solo attack. Two years ago he attacked at the foot of the Paterberg and rode the final 40 kilometres alone to victory, while last year he made his move one climb later on the Oude Kwaremont.
He is once again the clear favourite this year. At the end of February he opened his road season with a clear victory in a similar race featuring climbs and cobbles: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. More recently he was the best of the rest in Milaan-San Remo, behind Tadej Pogacar and Tom Pidcock. Neither of them will be at the start of the E3, which opens the door for a third consecutive victory. That is especially true as Wout van Aert, winner in 2022 and 2023, will also not be lining up.
Should Van der Poel win the E3 for a third time, he would equal Fabian Cancellara (2010, 2011, 2013) and Jan Raas (1979, 1980, 1981). Rik Van Looy won the race four times (1964, 1965, 1966, 1969), while Tom Boonen holds the record with five victories (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012).
In this season’s Flemish classics, Van der Poel himself (Omloop), Matthew Brennan (Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne), Jasper Philipsen (Nokere Koerse) and Dylan Groenewegen (Ronde van Brugge) have all taken wins, while Pogacar claimed Strade Bianche and Milan–San Remo. Aside from the defending champion himself, none of those riders will be present at the E3 Saxo Classic.
Favourites E3 Saxo Classic 2026
***** Mathieu van der Poel
**** Mads Pedersen, Romain Grégoire
*** Dylan van Baarle, Florian Vermeersch,
** Jasper Stuyven, Joshua Tarling, Tibor Del Grosso
* Magnus Sheffield, Christophe Laporte, Alberto Bettiol
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