The E3 Saxo Classic has also decided to make the race even more thrilling, and this year's edition will be characterized by a double passage over the Oude Kwaremont. The organizers' intention was to make the finale much more spectacular and with this modification they have fully achieved their goal.

The new route of the E3 Saxo Classic, which will take place on March 27th, was presented yesterday afternoon and as mentioned, the Oude Kwaremont will put riders to the test twice.

Until last year, the Oude Kwaremont was normally climbed only once, in combination with the Paterberg, but after careful evaluation, the organizers have decided this year that the peloton will face the Kwaremont twice. While the second passage will feature the combination with the Paterberg, the approach to the first passage over the Kwaremont will be preceded by the Keuzelingsstraat, characterized by an unpaved road. "For us, this could be the decisive factor – the organizers said – a way to make this race even more thrilling thanks to a touch of unpredictability".

There is innovation but also tradition, because according to the organizers, refreshing what has been known for a long time is not harmful, but at the same time there should not be excessive upheavals.

"Another point not to be underestimated is the passage over the Karnemelkbeekstraat. A few years ago, we renamed that climb Col E3 and this too will be tackled twice in the finale".

The races in Belgium will begin next weekend with the Omloop and then followed by the Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, the Samyn Classic will arrive on March 3rd and then it will be the turn of the Nokere Koerse on the 18th, the Ronde van Brugge on the 25th and then the E3 Saxo on March 27th.

"The climb of the Oude Kwaremont and our Col E3, namely the Karnemelkbeekstraat, in Ronse, will be tackled twice in this edition – explained race director Philippe Vermeeren – We will face this latter for the first time after 113 kilometers, with the Oude Kwaremont following after 121 kilometers and 169 kilometers of racing. Then there will be the Karnemelkbeekstraat again after 176 kilometers. Then comes the Tiegemberg, the sixteenth and final climb, 19 kilometers from the finish. While we have decided to remove the passage over Geraardsbergen. The peloton will encounter at La Houppe the second climb of the day, passing through the pavé of Paddestraat, while the start and finish area will always be on the Stasegemsesteenweg".

The reasons that led to the route change also concern safety, because the junior race and the professional race take place on the same day and the two races last year risked overlapping.

"The route change was necessary also because last year the junior race risked finishing in the professional race. With the modifications to the new route, it is unthinkable that this scenario will repeat itself".

The race will be held on Friday, March 27th, with start and finish at the Forestier Stadium in Harelbeke, over a distance of 208 kilometers and with 3,000 meters of elevation gain. Mathieu van der Poel has triumphed in the last two editions and both organizers and the public are eager to learn about the Dutchman's final schedule, hoping to see him again on the roads of the E3 Saxo Classic.