Participants E3 Saxo Classic 2026 | These riders will battle on the Kwaremont and Paterberg

Normally, the E3 Saxo Classic never struggles to attract a strong field. The theory that good legs here translate into success in the biggest cobbled races is well known throughout the peloton. However, in recent years riders have increasingly streamlined their race programmes. Only the biggest goals remain, which means some notable names are missing from Friday’s start list.

In 2023, Tadej Pogačar, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel delivered an epic edition, culminating in a three-man sprint won by Van Aert. Since then, Pogačar has not returned to the E3, while Van Aert will also be absent this year for the first time in years. The Belgian will only ride In Flanders Fields on Sunday and will train on the day of the E3.

Van der Poel is the only one of the “big three” lining up this time. The Dutchman, racing for Alpecin-Deceuninck, won the race in both 2024 and 2025 and is now targeting a remarkable hat-trick. He will be supported by young talent Tibor del Grosso as a potential wildcard. But who will take him on? Which riders could realistically challenge him, as Pogačar did recently at Milan–San Remo?

At Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates) and Tim van Dijke (Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe) were among those who could follow Van der Poel the longest. Both riders will be at the start on Friday. Red Bull also lines up with Mick van Dijke and Laurence Pithie.

Visma | Lease a Bike will start without Van Aert, but the Dutch team still brings in-form riders such as Christophe Laporte and Per Strand Hagenes.