What Is 2021 E3 Saxo Bank Classic

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 E3 Saxo Bank Classic was a one-day professional cycling race held on March 26, 2021, in Belgium. It was won by Kasper Asgreen of Deceuninck–Quick-Step, who finished in 4 hours, 57 minutes, and 37 seconds.

Key Facts

The 2021 E3 Saxo Bank Classic took place on March 26, 2021
Kasper Asgreen won the race with a time of 4h 57' 37"
The race covered a distance of 203.7 kilometers
It started in Harelbeke and finished in the same city
19 teams participated, including all 19 UCI WorldTeams

Overview

The 2021 E3 Saxo Bank Classic was a prestigious one-day road cycling race that formed part of the UCI WorldTour calendar. Held on March 26, 2021, it served as a key preparatory event for the Tour of Flanders, one of cycling’s five 'Monuments'.

The race attracted top-tier riders from around the world, with challenging cobbled sectors and steep climbs testing endurance and tactical skill. The route spanned 203.7 kilometers from Harelbeke to Harelbeke, featuring 17 cobbled climbs, including the iconic Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg.

Distance: The race covered 203.7 kilometers, starting and finishing in Harelbeke, Belgium, making it a loop-style course with concentrated difficulty in the final 80 km.
Date: Held on March 26, 2021, it was the first major cobbled classic of the season, setting the tone for the spring campaign.
Winner:Kasper Asgreen of Deceuninck–Quick-Step claimed victory, out-sprinting former champion Mathieu van der Poel in a two-man finish.
Winning Time: Asgreen completed the course in 4 hours, 57 minutes, and 37 seconds, averaging approximately 40.7 km/h.
Participation: A total of 19 teams competed, including all UCI WorldTeams, with each fielding up to seven riders for a peloton of around 133 cyclists.

How It Works

The E3 Saxo Bank Classic is structured as a single-day race with a demanding route designed to challenge riders’ cobbled-riding skills and endurance. Tactics, team coordination, and split-second decisions play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Term: Route Profile The course includes 17 cobbled climbs, with the Paterberg summited twice—once mid-race and again in the final 12 kilometers, intensifying late-race selection.
Term: Team Strategy Teams use domestiques to shelter leaders and control breaks, with Deceuninck–Quick-Step setting a high pace on the Kwaremont to thin the peloton.
Term: Weather Impact Cold, wet conditions on race day made the cobbles slippery, increasing crash risk and mechanical issues, which affected several top contenders.
Term: Sprint Finish Despite the hilly terrain, the race concluded in a two-rider sprint after Asgreen and van der Poel broke away with 3 km to go.
Term: UCI Points As a UCI WorldTour event, the winner earned 250 ranking points, crucial for individual and team season standings.
Term: Historical Significance First held in 1958, the race was renamed E3 Saxo Bank Classic in 2021 after title sponsorship changes, continuing its legacy as a Flanders tune-up.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2021 edition with recent years to highlight changes in winners, times, and conditions:

Year	Winner	Time	Distance	Key Climbs
2021	Kasper Asgreen	4h 57' 37"	203.7 km	Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg (x2)
2020	Wout van Aert	5h 02' 10"	203.5 km	Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg
2019	Philippe Gilbert	5h 10' 45"	205.0 km	Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont
2018	Niki Terpstra	5h 08' 22"	204.2 km	Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont
2017	Greg Van Avermaet	5h 05' 18"	203.8 km	Kwaremont, Paterberg

The 2021 race was slightly faster than previous editions due to fewer crashes and a more controlled peloton. The consistent inclusion of the Paterberg twice in the finale has increased its difficulty, making it a decisive factor in the outcome. Changes in sponsorship and branding reflect evolving commercial partnerships in professional cycling, but the race’s core challenge remains unchanged.

Why It Matters

The 2021 E3 Saxo Bank Classic holds significance beyond its status as a WorldTour event—it shapes team momentum, individual reputations, and preparation for the Tour of Flanders. Its results often predict success in the spring classics season.

Form Indicator: Asgreen’s win signaled Deceuninck–Quick-Step’s dominance, foreshadowing strong performances in later races like the Tour of Flanders.
Team Tactics: The race showcased disciplined team pacing, with Quick-Step riders controlling tempo on key climbs to isolate rivals.
Media Exposure: Broadcast globally, the event drew millions of viewers, boosting sponsor visibility and cycling’s profile in Europe.
Injury Risk: Cobbled sections led to 8 documented crashes, highlighting safety concerns and the physical toll on riders.
Historical Legacy: As the 63rd edition, it continued a tradition of Belgian cycling excellence, honoring the race’s post-war origins.
Sponsorship Model: The rebranding to E3 Saxo Bank Classic reflected a new naming rights deal, emphasizing financial sustainability in pro cycling.

Ultimately, the 2021 E3 Saxo Bank Classic was more than a race—it was a statement of strength, strategy, and resilience in one of cycling’s most revered disciplines. Its influence extends into team planning, rider confidence, and the broader narrative of the spring classics campaign.