E3 Saxo Classic 2025

E3 Saxo Classic 2025 overview

Mathieu van der Poel decimates peloton across Flemish cobbles for repeat victory at E3 Saxo Classic / How it unfolded

For a second year in a row, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) grabbed the spotlight at E3 Saxo Classic and rode to a solo victory into Harelbeke. The Dutchman struck out over the Oude Kwaremont, 40km from the finish, and accelerated away from four riders who had been at the front with him. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) finished 1:07 back for second and Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) splashed in the rain 2:05 back for third. It was a rough start for Van der Poel, as he and other favourites were caught behind a crash in the opening 10km that caused a ripple of splits among the peloton.

E3 Saxo Classic History

The E3 Saxo Classic - formerly known as the E3 Harelbeke, is a one-day cobbled Classic that had its first edition in 1958. The race was cancelled once in 2020 due to the coronavirus global pandemic and will have its 67th edition in 2025.

It is a lead-up race to the Tour of Flanders, falling mid-week between Gent-Wevelgem and Brugge-De Panne. Since 2012 the race has been part of the UCI WorldTour.

Tom Boonen holds the record for most wins with five between 2004 and 2012, breaking the previous mark held by Rik Van Looy who won four times between 1964 and 1969.

The E3 Saxo Classic is considered a 'mini Tour of Flanders' as it uses many of the same climbs and cobbles and is a major test for the contenders before the Tour of Flanders.

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won the first head to head battle of 2024 with Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), attacking on the Paterberg with 43km to go and then holding off Van Aert in a pursuit match to the finish. 

In 2023, Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) got away with Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel to win the race.

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E3 Saxo Classic route

The 2025 E3 Saxo Classic includes 17 'bergs' and several sections of cobblestone roads across the 208.6 kilometre route from Harelbeke and back.

See the full E3 Saxo Classic route.

E3 Saxo Classic start list

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E3 Saxo Classic teams

• Alpecin-Deceuninck
• Arkea-B&B Hotels
• Bahrain Victorious
• Cofidis
• Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team
• EF Education - EasyPost
• Groupama-FDJ
• INEOS Grenadiers
• Intermarché - Wanty
• Lidl-Trek
• Movistar Team
• Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe
• Soudal Quick-Step
• Team Jayco AlUla
• Team Picnic PostNL
• Team Visma | Lease a Bike
• UAE Team Emirates
• XDS Astana Team
• Lotto
• Uno-X Mobility
• Israel-PremierTech
• Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team
• Teal Flanders-Baloise
• Totalenergies
• Tudor Pro Cycling Team