E3 Saxo Classic 2025: Commanding solo show Mathieu van der Poel

foto: Cor VosFor the second consecutive year, Mathieu van der Poel is untouchable in the E3 Saxo Classic. He shakes off his fellow attackers - Mads Pedersen, Filippo Ganna, Aimé De Gendt, and Casper Pedersen - on the Oude Kwaremont and solos to victory. Mads Pedersen finishes in second, while Filippo Ganna takes third. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results E3 Saxo Classic 2025

1. Mathieu van der Poel (nld)
2. Mads Pedersen (den) + 1.06
3. Filippo Ganna (ita) + 2.05
4. Casper Pedersen (den) + 2.34
5. Jasper Stuyven (bel) s.t.
6. Stefan Küng (swi) s.t.
7. Aime De Gendt (bel) s.t.
8. Tim Wellens (bel) s.t.
9. Matteo Jorgenson (usa) s.t.
10. Mike Teunissen (nld) + 2.45

Race report
The peloton has been split in two as they reach the first hill, the Katteberg. The second group is chasing at 3 minutes, with big guns Mads Pedersen, Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, Filippo Ganna on board.

After around 50 kilometres, Dries De Bondt, Julius van den Berg, and Rory Townsend break away from the leading group, establishing a 1-minute advantage over the first peloton.

The three are reeled in with 137 kilometres to go, while the big regroupment takes place on the Kanarieberg, with 110 kilometres to go.

Aimé De Gendt attacks on the Knokteberg with Casper Pedersen bridging across, while Mads Pedersen and Mathieu van der Poel attack from the peloton on the Taaienberg. Filippo Ganna rejoins them after the summit and the three gobble up De Gendt and Pedersen.

Van der Poel shakes off the others on the Oude Kwaremont, and he reaches the summit 20 seconds ahead of Pedersen. Bit by bit, the defending champion rides further away from the Dane.

Van der Poel wins the E3 more than 1 minute ahead of Pedersen, and Ganna comes in third position, another minute further behind.

Other interesting reads: route and start list 2025 E3 Saxo Classic.