Mathieu van der Poel has claimed his third E3 Saxo Classic with the power and style that make him one of the strongest riders of all time. The Classics are his passion and today at Harelbeke, in the "Little Tour of Flanders", the Dutchman put everyone in their place. The decisive attack came on the Boigneberg, when, with 64 kilometers remaining, he dropped his rivals and launched himself in pursuit of the breakaway group. When 42 kilometers remained to the finish line, Van der Poel realized it was time to say goodbye to everyone, beginning his solo charge towards Harelbeke.

«At one point I wasn't feeling so strong anymore, but I kept pedaling at my own pace even though fatigue was starting to set in – Van der Poel said in the mixed zone -. About a kilometer from the finish, I thought they were catching up from behind. I knew I couldn't sprint anymore, so I pedaled as hard as I could while seated, just enough to make it to the finish line».

Van der Poel has already won this race twice before. The first time was in 2024, when the Dutchman finished ahead of Stuyven and Van Aert, the latter having won the year before, and then last year again in solo fashion, leaving Pedersen and Ganna behind. This time, however, the Dutchman decided to attack earlier and with 63 kilometers to go he put his plan into action. «On the Boigneberg the objective was to drop the group because I knew they wouldn't follow me. I found myself alone and the stretch towards the Paterberg was a real head-to-head battle, and I could feel it was going to be tough».

Racing alone for over 60 kilometers is not easy and the former world champion wasn't sure he would cross the line first.

«Of course there were moments when I thought I would finish fifth. At the beginning I still had good sensations, but I know how difficult the road is when you have to pedal alone. At one point, I thought I would be able to hold on until about five kilometers from the finish, I thought I was practically done for. Fortunately in the end I made it, but it cost me blood, sweat and tears».

This was an important victory for Van der Poel and it's a positive sign ahead of the Tour of Flanders, which will be held on April 5th. «Thank goodness I managed to win, I think this was one of the victories where I suffered the most. Now I need to focus on the next races. Fortunately, victory is a balm for the wounds after all that suffering».