E3 Saxo Classic toughened up with two passes over Oude Kwaremont in finale

The organizers of the E3 Saxo Classic have unveiled the route for the upcoming edition on Friday, March 27. What immediately stands out: the riders will have to climb the Oude Kwaremont and Karnemelkbeekstraat not once, but twice in the finale.

The midweek classic—also known as the mini Tour of Flanders—is nearly 200 kilometers long again this year. The race is considerably tougher compared to previous editions, featuring a whopping 3,000 meters of elevation and a double passage of the Oude Kwaremont and Karnemelkbeekstraat in the finale.

For the first ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, the riders will be directed over the Paterberg once more; for the second passage, the route takes a different approach, with the cobblestone-free Keuzelingsstraat adding an extra obstacle.

“The race could be decided there,” the organization tells Sporza, “But it could certainly also happen on the Karnemelkbeekstraat. For several years now, we have dubbed that climb the ‘E3-Col,’ and there too, the riders will pass twice in the finale.”

The organizers previously announced that Harelbeke will continue to serve as the start and finish location for the E3 Saxo Classic in the coming years. This is part of a new agreement covering the next six editions of the race. Last year, Mathieu van der Poel secured victory after a long solo on the Stasegemsesteenweg.