José De Cauwer doesn’t understand Mathieu van der Poel: doubts for Flanders and Roubaix after E3 Saxo Classic

Mathieu van der Poel’s victory at the E3 Saxo Classic did not settle questions, if anything it raised more. Despite winning in Harelbeke, his ride sparked debate, especially among authoritative Belgian voices like José De Cauwer and Karl Vannieuwkerke.

Both agreed that the Dutchman’s tactics were hard to read, above all the timing of his attack.

With 65 kilometres to go, Van der Poel split the race. According to the analysts, it may not have been the wisest move. Speaking to Sporza, Vannieuwkerke pointed to a clear alternative that went unused.

"In hindsight, Mathieu might say he should have stayed with that group a bit longer and put Edward Planckaert on the front. After all, he had Planckaert there."

In the same vein, De Cauwer saw little sense in going so far from the finish: "He could have done it on his terrain. If he had waited for the Paterberg or the Oude Kwaremont, in my view there would be no problem."

He was even more direct assessing the move: "I don’t understand why he starts so early."

Although he ultimately decided the race on the Paterberg, dropping Stan Dewulf before arriving solo, the impression was different from other occasions. The chase group stayed close for much of the finale, unusual in his most dominant exhibitions.

Vannieuwkerke summed it up: "If he’s Superman, then he wins by half a minute or a minute."

The Belgian journalist went further in seeking explanations: “In my opinion, he still feels the effects of the crash more than others think.”

That reading fits Van der Poel’s own words before the race, when he admitted the hand injury from Milano–Sanremo was still bothering him, though not enough to stop him competing.

De Cauwer, for his part, also hinted at doubts over his current level: "Mathieu had to fight today to win. So it’s logical to think he’s a bit less strong. But then you think: it’s Van der Poel, he’s not inferior."

Still, he returned to race management: "I don’t understand why he starts so early. I think those are unnecessary efforts and risks."

Beyond the E3 Saxo Classic analysis, eyes now turn to the Tour of Flanders. And there, the name rising to the top is Tadej Pogacar.

Vannieuwkerke was emphatic: "What does this tell us about the Tour of Flanders? That Pogacar is the main favourite."

Jose De Cauwer, more cautious, also suggested a shift: "I still think the same, but I’m not quite sure what to make of today."

He ended with a telling reflection: "Now I’d almost dare to say that Pogačar is slightly above Van der Poel."

The doubts around the Dutchman, combined with the Slovenian’s form, have fully reopened the debate ahead of one of spring’s major appointments.