The anticipation is building for the 67th edition of the E3 Saxo Classic, set to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, around Harelbeke, Belgium. This prestigious cycling event, spanning a challenging 209 kilometers, is often viewed as a mini Tour of Flanders, featuring a demanding route with seventeen climbs and five sections of cobblestones that will test the mettle of even the best riders.
The race will kick off at approximately 12:50 PM local time, starting and finishing in Harelbeke on the Grote Markt. Riders will first navigate through relatively flat terrain for the first 80 kilometers, which will include the initial climb of the Katteberg (750 m at 6%) followed closely by the cobbled stretch of Holleweg (1,500 m). Other notable paved sectors include Paddestraat (2,300 m) and Lippenhovestraat (1,100 m).
As the race progresses, the profile becomes increasingly challenging, with climbs such as La Houppe (1,880 m at 4.8%) and Kanarieberg (1,050 m at 7.7%) coming into play. The Oude Kruisberg (800 m at 4.8%), Knokteberg (1,260 m at 7%), Hotondberg (1,200 m at 4%), and Kortekeer (1,000 m at 6.4%) will further test the riders' endurance and strategy.
Things will heat up significantly 80 kilometers from the finish as the Taaienberg (700 m at 6.3%), known for its steep sections, marks the first of several crucial paved climbs. Following that, the course will challenge riders with Berg ten Stene (1,300 m at 5.2%), Boigneberg (1,000 m at 5.2%), and Eikenberg (1,200 m at 4% with a section at 10%). The Stationsberg (700 m at 3.2%) and the 2,000 m stretch of Mariaborrestraat will keep the pressure on.
As the race nears its conclusion, competitors will tackle the notorious Paterberg (400 m at 12.9%) and the Oude Kwaremont (2,200 m at 4%)—two climbs that are pivotal in the Tour of Flanders. The Karnemelkbeekstraat (1,530 m at 4.9%) will present one last opportunity for a decisive move before entering the final stretch, which includes the Varent cobbles (1,500 m) and the Tiegemberg (750 m at 5.6%) just 19 kilometers from the finish line.
The E3 Saxo Classic is not just a race; it’s a proving ground for the riders as they prepare for the upcoming classics, particularly the Tour of Flanders on April 6 and Paris-Roubaix a week later. Among the favorites this year are the likes of Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Wout Van Aert (Visma Lease a Bike), Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny), and Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates XRG).
Wout Van Aert, the 30-year-old leader of Team Visma Lease a Bike, is eager to showcase his form after a rigorous training camp in Tenerife, where he spent three weeks at altitude preparing for the classics. "We had a good and enjoyable training camp in Tenerife, but of course, as a cyclist, what you want most is to race. I can’t wait to put on my number again. The E3 Saxo Classic is one of my favorite races, and I’m proud to have won it twice," Van Aert expressed. His team is confident, with Tiesj Benoot and promising talent Matteo Jorgenson also in the mix.
Interestingly, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) will not be competing in the E3 Saxo Classic, opting instead to focus on Paris-Roubaix. This absence opens up the competition, allowing riders like Van Aert and Van der Poel to battle it out without the reigning World Champion in the mix.
As the riders prepare for the grueling course, the excitement among fans and teams alike is palpable. The E3 Saxo Classic has a rich history, with its roots tracing back to 1958 when it was originally named Harelbeke-Anvers-Harelbeke. Over the decades, it has evolved and garnered a reputation as a key event in the cycling calendar, often serving as a critical indicator of form leading into the more prestigious races.
Notable past winners include legends such as Tom Boonen, who holds the record with five victories, and other cycling greats like Rik Van Looy and Roger De Vlaeminck. The race has witnessed thrilling battles and dramatic finishes, making it a must-watch for cycling enthusiasts.
This year’s edition promises to deliver the same excitement, with the challenging climbs and cobbled sections poised to create opportunities for strategic plays and unexpected outcomes. Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport, Sporza, and RTBF, ensuring that the thrilling moments of the E3 Saxo Classic are just a click away.
With the weather conditions also playing a crucial role in the race dynamics, teams are preparing for all scenarios. As the clock ticks down to race day, the cyclists are fine-tuning their strategies and gearing up for what is sure to be a spectacular display of endurance and skill.
The E3 Saxo Classic is more than just a race; it’s an event that embodies the spirit of cycling, showcasing the grit and determination of the riders as they tackle one of the most challenging courses in the sport. As they set off from Harelbeke, all eyes will be on the road ahead, where legends are made and history is written.
