The E3 Saxo Classic 2026, one of the biggest spring UCI WorldTour events, is set to start the Flemish Cycling Week. This 68th edition of the race is renowned as the “mini Tour of Flanders,” a testament to its challenging route and significant role in the spring classics calendar. Riders will battle across cobbled climbs and demanding terrain, all vying for victory in Harelbeke. The event is a crucial litmus test for riders with aspirations for the Tour of Flanders, offering an intense preview of form and strategy. With top names lining up, the stakes are exceptionally high, promising a thrilling day of elite cycling. The revamped course, featuring a second ascent of the iconic Oude Kwaremont, ensures an even more grueling challenge for the peloton. Fans can anticipate fierce competition and strategic maneuvers from start to finish in this Belgian classic.
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Event Preview
The E3 Saxo Classic 2026, held in Harelbeke, Belgium, on March 27, 2026, is a key fixture in the UCI WorldTour. It is often dubbed the “mini Tour of Flanders” due to its similar profile, including the notorious Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont climbs. This race officially kicks off the Flemish Cycling Week, setting the tone for a demanding period of racing. The course has been refreshed for this edition, now featuring a second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, increasing the difficulty and strategic complexity. This makes it the toughest Flemish classic by climbing meters per distance ratio. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is a strong favorite, aiming for a potential third consecutive victory. He will look to defend his form after Milan-Sanremo, despite some injury concerns and mentions of brutal weather conditions. Mads Pedersen is another headline rider expected to contend. Notably absent from the start list are Tadej Pogačar, Filippo Ganna, Wout van Aert, and Tom Pidcock. Wout van Aert is specifically skipping the E3 Saxo Classic to focus on the Tour of Flanders. The 208-209 km route begins with a relatively flat first 100 km before tackling a series of climbs. These include the Karnemelkbeekstraat (E3 Col at km 113), the Oude Kwaremont (twice), Paterberg, Hotondberg, Kortekeer, Taaienberg (around 70 km to go), Boigneberg, Eikenberg (cobbled, ending 59 km to go), and Tiegemberg. The final 20 km into Harelbeke are pan-flat, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Twenty-two teams, each with seven riders, will compete, totaling 154 riders.
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E3 Saxo Classic 2026 Odds
| Selection | EGB | Sapphirebet | 20bet |
| Mathieu va der Poel | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 |
| Mads Pedersen | 6.50 | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| Christophe Laporte | 15.00 | 13.00 | 19.00 |
| Florian Vermeersch | 26.00 | 29.00 | 21.00 |
| Jasper Stuyven | 34.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Tobias Lund Andresen | 26.00 | 26.00 | 41.00 |
| Jonas Abrahamsen | 34.00 | 34.00 | 51.00 |
| Tibor Del Grosso | 34.00 | 34.00 | 51.00 |
| Antonio Morgado | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Romain Gregorie | 51.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Matteo Trentin | 51.00 | 51.00 | 67.00 |
| Mathias Vacek | 67.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Laurence Pithie | 67.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Per Strand Hagenes | 67.00 | 81.00 | 81.00 |
| Dylan Van Baarle | 81.00 | 67.00 | 51.00 |
| Kasper Asgreen | 81.00 | 81.00 | 81.00 |
| Jenno Berckmoes | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Alex Zingle | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Tim Van Dijke | 100.00 | 81.00 | 100.00 |
| Nils Politt | 81.00 | 100.00 | 81.00 |
| Alec Segaert | 100.00 | 81.00 | 81.00 |
| Biniam Girmay | 81.00 | 81.00 | 100.00 |
| Joshua Tarling | 81.00 | 81.00 | 100.00 |
| Anthony Turgis | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Mike Teunissen | 100.00 | 100.00 | 125.00 |
| Matej Mohoric | 100.00 | 100.00 | 125.00 |
| Michael Valgren | 100.00 | 125.00 | 100.00 |
| Ben Turner | 100.00 | 125.00 | 125.00 |
| Luke Lamperti | 150.00 | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Luca Mozzato | 150.00 | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Gianni Vermeersch | 125.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Rasmus Tiller | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Fred Wright | 200.00 | 150.00 | 200.00 |
| Soren Kragh Andersen | 200.00 | 150.00 | 200.00 |
| Casper Pedersen | 150.00 | 150.00 | 200.00 |
| Timo Kielich | 150.00 | 150.00 | 200.00 |
| Aime De Gendt | 150.00 | 150.00 | 200.00 |
| Cees Bol | 250.00 | 150.00 | 250.00 |
| Magnus Sheffield | 200.00 | 150.00 | 250.00 |
| Ivan Garcia Cortina | 200.00 | 150.00 | 250.00 |
| Riley Sheehan | 250.00 | 250.00 | 250.00 |
| Roger Adria | 250.00 | 200.00 | 250.00 |
| Lewis Askey | 250.00 | 250.00 | 250.00 |
| Daan Hoole | 300.00 | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Edward Planckaert | 200.00 | 300.00 | 200.00 |
| Alberto Bettiol | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Mikkel Bjerg | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Start Time
The E3 Saxo Classic 2026 officially starts at 12:50 CET in Belgium. The estimated finish time is 17:10 CET. For international viewers, consider the following time zones:
- UK: 11:50 GMT
- USA (East Coast): 06:50 EST
- USA (West Coast): 03:50 PST
- Australia (Sydney): 22:50 AEDT
- Japan: 20:50 JST
The E3 Saxo Classic 2026 promises an electrifying day of cycling. This UCI WorldTour event is a critical test of endurance and skill, serving as a crucial prelude to the Tour of Flanders. With a challenging route and top contenders, the race will deliver high-stakes action from start to finish.