Profile E3 Saxo Bank Classic 2022

On the 25th of March the peloton will return to Flandres for another edition of the E3 Saxo Bank Classic. This is the race that resembles the most to the Tour des Flandres and will be the stage where the classics riders will be looking to confirm their form and their spot before the big targets.

With 205 kilometers on the menu it’s still a fairly long race. When the race hits 120 kilometers to go it will see an increase in activity as the peloton enter the bergs, and with 80 kilometers to go it will go through the Taaienberg which may be the first big point of selection in the peloton.

Afterwards, the Eikenberg comes with 61.5Km to go, and the Stationsberg comes with 57.5Km to go, these can be points of attack for those looking to anticipate the big climbs which will follow.

The order is the opposite of Flandres here, as the Paterberg/Oude Kwaremont combo sees the short ascent first, and it comes with 42.5 kilometers to go, still quite far away from the finish but with it’s toughness it will inevitably cause damage in the peloton. With 37.5 kilometers to go comes the Oude Kwaremont. In very quick succession, these two ascents will be the platform for the main attacks from the race favourites who want to make their moves on the bergs.

With 30 and 20 kilometers to go there are some small bergs, and a cobbled sector aswell with 22Km to go. These won’t be as hard, however after a hard race they can be used to create further damage, however it is more expected that groups will try to consolidate their gaps. The final 20 kilometers will be essentially pan-flat, and it is possible to organize a chase with the goal of catching smaller groups or an eventual solo rider that may be in front. This flat section will force a lot of tactical decisions, and should be crucial for the outcome.