Another wildcard boost for the Rockets, who will start E3 Saxo Classic

The E3 Saxo Classic is traditionally one of the most important tests on the road to the Tour of Flanders. Just over a week before “Flanders’ Finest”, the peloton already tackles several key climbs that also feature in the Monument itself, such as the Taaienberg, the Paterberg and, of course, the Oude Kwaremont. You won’t find a better dress rehearsal.

Last year, Mathieu van der Poel was by far the strongest in Harelbeke. The Dutchman moved with Mads Pedersen on the Taaienberg before powering on across the Oude Kwaremont. Nobody could follow, and he crossed the line more than a minute ahead of the Dane. In 2026, however, the course is set to be even more attractive.

That is because the Oude Kwaremont will be tackled twice. The final passage comes after 169 kilometres (105 miles), meaning there will still be roughly 40 kilometres (25 miles) to race. If the bunch is still together after that, the race could yet be decided on the Karnemelkbeekstraat (renamed the ‘E3 Col’) and the Tiegemberg, the final climb of the day.

The organization reported to Het Nieuwsblad that all WorldTour teams will be at the start, while Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, Team Flanders – Baloise, Burgos Burpellet BH, TotalEnergies and Unibet Rose Rockets have received wildcards. Bas Tietema’s team are also set to take part in Gent–Wevelgem, Brugge–De Panne, Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix.