CYCLING – Team Bahrain Victorious line up for the E3 Saxo Classic today in Belgium, starting and finishing in the municipality of Harelbeke, as their cobbled Classics campaign continues to heat up.
Often considered the first major test for Classics specialists ahead of the Tour of Flanders, the 68th edition will cover 208 kilometres, featuring 16 short and explosive climbs – one fewer than last year – and nine cobbled sectors, for a total elevation gain of around 3,000 metres.
The one-day race unfolds in the heart of Flanders, passing through iconic cycling towns such as Waregem, Oudenaarde, and Geraardsbergen.
The 2026 edition introduces some notable changes, making the course even more demanding.
A key addition is the E3-Col of 1.2km at six per cent, which will be tackled twice – first after around 113km and again inside the final 35km.
The opening phase of the decisive section begins shortly after, with the first ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, approached from the opposite side.
From there, the race follows its traditional course, featuring crucial climbs such as Hotondberg, Kortekeer, Taaienberg, and Eikenberg, where the peloton is expected to split.
The decisive sequence comes in the final 40km with the iconic Paterberg-Oude Kwaremont combination before a second passage over the E3-Col and the final ascent of Tiegemberg, with just 20km remaining to the finish.
“E3 is known as one of the hardest races of the Classics, just behind Flanders,” explained Bahrain Victorious sports director Nikolas Maes.
“We are building our race around Alec Segaert and Matej Mohoric, with the goal of positioning them as well as possible before the key sections.”
“Zak Erzen and Kamil Gradek will focus on positioning towards the key point, together with Daniel Skerl and Oliver Stockwell, while Attila Valter will look for opportunities in the breakaway.”
“Even if the parcour has been slightly redesigned, the crucial zone remains the same with the combination of Kortekeer, Taaienberg, and the climbs that follow.”
“We hope our leaders can come through this section in a good position and be in the mix for the finale. The team is well balanced, and the Classics campaign so far is going in the right direction.”
Mohoric added: “I’ve been feeling good in the last Classics, so I’m looking forward to being back in Belgium for more hard racing. I’ve had a strong result here before, with a top five, so I’d like to aim for something similar.
“I think we have a strong and balanced line-up, and hopefully we can have numbers in the finale and fight for a good result.”
Segaert, returning to racing with extra motivation after his victory at GP Denain, said: “I’m really looking forward to this big block of Classics.”
“With a win already and strong performances from the team, I’m confident we can have a good campaign.”
“I’m also excited to experience the crowds again on the Flemish hills.”
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