As the cycling world gears up for the highly anticipated E3 Saxo Classic, all eyes will be on the fierce rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, in Flanders, Belgium, the race promises to deliver thrilling action as it unfolds over a challenging 208-kilometer course that is often dubbed the "mini-Ronde van Vlaanderen." This year’s edition is set to start and finish in Harelbeke, featuring a demanding route that includes 17 hills and 11 stretches of cobblestones, a true test of endurance and skill for the world’s best cyclists.
The E3 Saxo Classic is a key event in the UCI WorldTour calendar, and its significance cannot be overstated. It serves as a crucial precursor to the Ronde van Vlaanderen, with many riders using it as a critical tune-up for the bigger race. Last year, van der Poel emerged victorious, showcasing his formidable climbing ability and tactical prowess. He accelerated on the Taaienberg and Paterberg climbs, ultimately benefiting from a fall by van Aert, who had previously bested him in a sprint finish during the 2023 edition.
This year, van der Poel enters the race as the favorite, having demonstrated exceptional form in recent competitions. However, he faces stiff competition from van Aert, who is eager to reclaim his title after a successful high-altitude training camp. Other notable contenders include Mads Pedersen from Lidl-Trek and Filippo Ganna of Ineos Grenadiers, both of whom have shown strong performances in the lead-up to this race.
The course of the E3 Saxo Classic is renowned for its challenging climbs, including key ascents such as the Kanarieberg, Hotond, Oude Kruisberg, Eikenberg, and the iconic Oude Kwaremont. The final ten kilometers of the race are relatively flat, which adds an interesting dynamic as riders will need to make their moves earlier in the race to avoid being caught in a sprint finish.
For fans eager to catch the action live, the race will be broadcast across multiple platforms. In the UK, viewers can tune in to TNT Sports and Discovery+, with the latter offering over four hours of coverage compared to just two hours on TNT Sports 1. A Discovery+ subscription currently costs £30.99 per month. In the United States, the race will be available on Max, with subscription plans starting at $9.99 per month for basic access, increasing to $20.99 for premium viewing. Canadian fans can watch on FloBikes, which offers a monthly rate of $39.99 or an annual subscription for $203.88.
Fans in Australia and New Zealand can enjoy the race through Staylive, priced at AU$5.99 or NZ$9.99 per month, while viewers in Belgium can watch for free on VTM and via the VTM Go streaming platform. The race is expected to start at 12:52 PM local time (CET) and finish between 5:10 PM and 5:50 PM, making it an exciting afternoon for cycling enthusiasts.
As the race day approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the duel between van der Poel and van Aert but also for the overall excitement of the event itself. With Tadej Pogačar withdrawing from this year's race to focus on Paris-Roubaix, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the two rivals, each eager to claim victory and gain momentum heading into the Ronde van Vlaanderen.
In previous years, the E3 Saxo Classic has delivered unforgettable moments, and this year is expected to be no different. The combination of a challenging course, elite competition, and the stakes involved makes for a compelling narrative as fans look forward to seeing who will emerge victorious.
With the weather conditions also playing a pivotal role in the race dynamics, teams will need to strategize effectively to navigate the various challenges that the course presents. The cobblestone sections, in particular, can be treacherous, and riders will need to be vigilant to avoid crashes, especially in the early stages of the race.
The E3 Saxo Classic not only tests the physical abilities of the riders but also their mental fortitude, as they must make split-second decisions that could alter the outcome of the race. As the countdown to the start continues, the excitement is palpable, and cycling fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating event.
In conclusion, the E3 Saxo Classic on March 28, 2025, is set to be a thrilling encounter between some of the best cyclists in the world. With Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert leading the charge, fans can expect a race filled with drama, strategy, and high-speed action. Be sure to tune in and witness the unfolding of this epic cycling showdown.
