Alex MacQuoid
Wout van Aert will not compete in the E3 Saxo Classic, with Visma | Lease a Bike dismissing speculation about a late change to their race plan. Sports director Arthur van Dongen stated the decision was finalized well before the race weekend, contradicting reports that emerged following Milan-Sanremo.
“There were rumours in the press that he might still ride and that we would make a decision on Wednesday, but I have no idea where that came from,” Van Dongen said. “We had already decided a long time ago that Wout would not do this race.”
You might also like: E3 Saxo Classic 2026 Live Stream Guide
Van Aert experienced a minor setback from illness during Opening Weekend, but this did not alter the team’s approach. “There was never any doubt about changing our plans. He is ready for the next races,” Van Dongen explained with confidence.
Laporte and Hagenes Lead Visma’s Charge
Without Van Aert, Visma | Lease a Bike will pivot toward Christophe Laporte and Per Strand Hagenes as their primary leaders. Laporte finished second in last year’s E3 alongside Van Aert, giving him proven credentials for the Belgian Classic.
Hagenes, the Norwegian talent, has demonstrated strong form early this season. The rider attacked late into finales at Le Samyn and GP Denain, earning his leadership role at E3. “We have a strong line-up, but it’s not up to us to control the race. With Christophe Laporte and Per Strand Hagenes, we are going for the best possible result,” Van Dongen said.
You might also like: E3 Saxo Classic 2026 Complete Preview
“They feel good and they are ready,” the sports director added.
Van der Poel Remains Overwhelming Favourite
Mathieu van der Poel starts as the dominant favourite for E3. Tadej Pogačar and Van Aert are both absent, along with Filippo Ganna, Tom Pidcock, Stefan Küng, and Tim Wellens. This leaves Van der Poel as the only former winner on the start list.
Van Dongen acknowledged the Dutchman’s status without reservation. “Van der Poel is still the big favourite. For him, it makes no difference whether the course is like this year or like last year.”
You might also like: E3 Saxo Classic 2026 Winner Odds Preview
Course Changes Don’t Alter the Dynamic
Race organizers toughened the E3 course this year with an additional passage over the Kwaremont. Opinion remains divided on whether the modification significantly impacts the race.
Van Dongen offered Visma | Lease a Bike‘s perspective: “Our view is that it’s not much harder than last year. The extra passage over the Kwaremont is definitely hard, but it was already such a tough race.” The modifications do not fundamentally shift the competitive landscape, particularly for Van der Poel‘s strengths.
Visma | Lease a Bike will challenge the Dutchman with their dual-leader strategy, hoping Laporte and Hagenes can find opportunities on the demanding Belgian terrain.