José De Cauwer doesn’t understand Mathieu van der Poel: doubts for Flanders and Roubaix after E3 Saxo Classic
Cycling
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."
A less dominant Van der Poel
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."
Pogacar gains momentum for Flanders
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.
Carlos Silva is a writer for CyclingUpToDate.com, where he contributes race reports, interviews, analysis pieces, and live coverage of the international cycling calendar. Holding a degree in Sports from the Jean Piaget Institute, he combines academic knowledge of performance, training, and competition with hands-on journalism experience in professional cycling.
Throughout his career, Carlos has conducted interviews with leading figures in the sport, including Alberto Contador, Joaquim Rodríguez, Óscar Pereiro, João Almeida, Isaac del Toro, Derek Gee, John Degenkolb and Geraint Thomas. These conversations reflect direct engagement with Grand Tour winners, Classics specialists, and emerging talents.
He has provided on-site coverage at major events ranging from the Vuelta a España to the Tour de France, alongside stage races such as Vuelta a Andalucía, Volta ao Algarve, Volta a Portugal and O Gran Camiño. Covering the mythical climbs of the Giro d'Italia remains one of his professional ambitions.
Carlos is responsible for liveblog coverage of all major WorldTour races and beyond, including the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España. His reporting integrates verified data from ProCyclingStats to ensure statistical accuracy, contextual depth, and analytical precision.
A lifelong cycling enthusiast, he approaches storytelling across written, photographic, and video formats with a focus on credibility, tactical insight, and informed race interpretation.
claps 1visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- great analysis thanks! appreciate you posting this. I didn't realize CX had a different standard for deviation. this is even more egregious it seems.mij10-11-2026
- As he isn't currently with Red Bull, I guess if he want to race for one more year he needs to find a team. He's 37 so this will be his last year I would guess, unless he wants to race for almost nothing like Froome did.awp10-11-2026
- I think some are making much ado about nothing. Even though Jonas is getting older, before his crash in the Tour, he looked like a solid 2nd all the way home. No one can really climb with Tadej until this year, Eric Mas showed himself which I think was a one off year for him and Paul Seixas has been able to be pretty close to him. Whatever stage race Jonas enters as long as Tadej is not there he is a favorite to win.awp10-11-2026
- Giro or not Giro, he won't win the Tour!MajorPayne10-11-2026
- Very true.awp10-11-2026
- Ciccone had a very strong end of season. Consistently attacking and livening up races. Hope he makes that last leap in progress and starts notching some significant wins. Great rider to watch.Occam10-11-2026
- Me too!!!!!Occam10-11-2026
- they can sign any 100 of top riders today but Pogi will win over Remco any time at the TDF unless something goes wrongabstractengineer10-11-2026
- the time for a GC rider to retire is when they cannot win stages, or have a significant level drop like from winner/podium into top 5/10 consistently. Roglic is still competitive and Froome raced even though he became pack fodder.abstractengineer10-11-2026
- He should be in a different team. It was detrimental. For them it does not matter if he does not develop. He should have gone to a team where they need him to succeed.abstractengineer10-11-2026
Loading
Write a comment