The E3 Saxo Classic 2023 takes place this Friday, March 24, with its classic 204-kilometre route and a total of 17 climbs, predominantly cobbled sections. Wout van Aert and Jumbo Visma will seek to repeat the victory of the last edition, but it will not be easy against Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar. The Paterberg, the old Kwaremont and the Tiegemberg will be the key points.
The E3 Saxo Classic kicks off the Belgian spring classic season in 2023. The race, which takes place this Friday the 24th in its 65th edition, changes its name again as it has been customary in recent years: E3 Saxo Bank Classic in 2021 and 2022, E3 BinckBank Classic in 2019 and 2020, and E3 Harelbeke in 2017 and 2018. Initially known as Harelbeke-Anvers-Harelbeke, Tom Bonnen is the most decorated racer with five wins (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2012).
Harelbeke remains the start and finish line of a race that features 204 kilometres and 17 climbs for specialists on cobblestones and this type of explosive path. Belgian Wout van Aert will be looking to repeat his triumph last year, in which he entered hand in hand with his teammate Christophe Laporte in an authentic Jumbo-Visma display. Although it will not be easy for the Belgian since Tadej Pogacar or Mathieu van der Poel has signed up for the appointment.
How to watch E3 Saxo Classic 2023 Live
Viewers around the world can watch the action live on the following channels and here for free:
Live Broadcast: E3 Saxo Classic 2023 Live
Date, Time And Where On Tv And Online Streaming The E3 Saxo Classic 2023
The men’s race can be seen from 2:15 p.m. live on Eurosport channel 1 and live online streaming on Eurosport.ES and on the APP. The arrival time is scheduled for and is scheduled to end at 5:50 p.m.
Van Aert, Van Der Poel, Pogacar And The Rest Of Favorites E3 Saxo Classic 2023
Wout van Aert is the big favourite as he defends his crown after his victory last year. The Belgian escaped with his partner Christophe Laporte and both entered the finish line hand in hand in one of the choral exhibitions of the season. Jumbo-Visma will look for another number with a real team for this type of classic.
His great rival will be, how could it be otherwise, Mathieu van der Poel, who comes in excellent shape after winning Milan-San Remo in a legendary way. The Dutchman’s next goal is to win the Tour of Flanders again, as he already did in 2022.
The third in contention will be Tadej Pogacar, who has among his big goals for the season the Tour of Flanders that takes place on Sunday, April 2. The Slovenian is already surprised in his first season of cobblestone classics and comes to the race with 9 wins behind him so far this year.
Other names to consider are Stefan Küng, third last year, Mads Pedersen, Alexander Kristoff, Valentin Madouas or Biniam Girmay. Among the Spaniards, the participation of Iván García Cortina stands out, in one of the territories in which he manages best.
The third in contention will be Tadej Pogacar, who has among his big goals for the season the Tour of Flanders that takes place on Sunday, April 2. The Slovenian is already surprised in his first season of cobblestone classics and comes to the race with 9 wins behind him so far this year.
Profile And Route E3 Saxo Classic 2023
Harelbeke remains the start and finish of the test, which has a total of 204 kilometres and 17 climbs with several cobbled and highly explosive sections. The Paterberg and the old Kwaremont will again be two of the main points and where more public is expected. The pass that can decide the race will be the Tiegemberg, 20 kilometres from the end.
