Peloton divided over E3 Saxo Classic route change: from ‘more boring races’ to ‘it won’t make much difference’

While races such as Milan–San Remo are often made harder by the riders themselves, plenty of events are also raising the difficulty level through route design. Strade Bianche is one example, with significantly more climbing included in 2026 than was the case a few years ago.

The organization of the E3 Saxo Classic have now followed that same trend and will send the riders over the Oude Kwaremont twice on Friday rather than once as usual. The first passage comes from the easier side, but the race has undeniably become more demanding. According to IDL Procycling’s race preview, the added climb comes after roughly 121 kilometres and makes an already selective race even more suited to the strongest cobbled Classics specialists. For the full route details, see the official race website:

Alex Kirsch was the first rider we asked. With eight previous appearances in the race, he knows the E3 Saxo Classic as well as most in the peloton. His best result came in 2024, when he finished tenth. The Luxembourger is not a fan of the route change.

We also put the question to Arjen Livyns, who comes from Waregem and knows these roads well. The Belgian has ridden E3 four times, with 23rd place last year his best result. Unlike Kirsch, the Astana rider does not see a major issue with the change.

With ten previous starts, Luke Durbridge is also well placed to judge how the race has evolved. The Australian finished an excellent fourth in 2017 and has been a regular in Harelbeke ever since. He too sees the broader pattern in modern race design.

Finally, we asked Connor Swift for his view. The Briton has ridden E3 in each of the past three seasons, with 41st place his best finish. He does not expect the added Oude Kwaremont to have a major influence on the final outcome either.