Vermeersch takes podium at E3 Saxo Classic after aggressive ride in Flanders

Third spot for Belgian after tough battle

News | Team –27th March 2026

Florian Vermeersch delivered what is becoming a trademark strong performance today to finish third at the E3 Saxo Classic, securing a podium result for UAE Team Emirates-XRG in one of the most prestigious cobbled races of the spring calendar.

The 208km WorldTour classic, which hits most of the iconic Flemish bergs such as the Taaienberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, played out in dramatic fashion right to the final kilometere as groups looked like merging very late in the day.

The decisive move came on the cobbled sectors deep into the race, where Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Premier Tech) launched a trademark solo attack, riding clear with over 40km remaining and ultimately taking victory by a small margin.

Behind, Vermeersch was among the strongest riders in the chase, showing resilience after a difficult moment earlier in the race where he suffered a mechanical at a crucial point. Despite that setback, the Belgian fought his way back into contention and positioned himself in the elite chasing group heading into the finale.

In the final kilometres it looked like Van der Poel would be overhauled however some hesitation right inside the final 1.5km meant the group of Vermeersch never caught him and so the Flandrien contested the sprint from the reduced group, crossing the line in third place, just  behind Per Strand Hagenes (Visma-Lease a Bike), who finished second.

Florian Vermeersch: "I'm happy with the podium and the legs I have. It's a little bittersweet though as I felt it could have been more. I maybe expected one more pull from my competitors as we were closing in on Van der Poel but that didn't happen and he got the victory and we sprinited it out for second.

But that's racing and I can be happy with the podium .The positive thing is that Sunday we will go again and try for the win."

Results

1.Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) 4:45:15

2.Per Strand Hagens (Visma Lease a Bike) +3"

3.Florian Vermeersch (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) s.t