One week after that electric Milano-Sanremo, the spring classics are fully underway—and we’re heading straight into the heart of Flanders for two huge races: the E3 Saxo Classic this Friday, and Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.

And once again, all eyes are on Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, who delivered a masterpiece last weekend. Van der Poel took the win, but not before Pogačar detonated the Cipressa and the Poggio with a flurry of attacks. Now the rivalry rolls onto the cobbles.

Both races are live and on demand on FloBikes. E3 Saxo Classic is available to viewers in Canada. Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders next Sunday are live for viewers in both Canada AND the USA.

As of Tuesday, there's been speculation that Pogačar might skip these next two races. We haven't heard confirmation either way from UAE Team Emirates. But if he does line up, he’ll face some serious competition.

E3 Saxo Classic: The Mini De Ronde

Let’s talk E3 Saxo Classic first—the mini Tour of Flanders. It's 208 kilometers of pure pain: 17 climbs and 5 cobbled sectors, with a finale that mimics De Ronde. The Paterberg–Oude Kwaremont combo will blow the race apart around 40km to go, just like it did last year when Van der Poel dropped Wout van Aert after a slip on the gutter line. From there, it’s survival of the fittest all the way back to Harelbeke.

We could see the return of Wout van Aert, who’s been prepping for Flanders and Roubaix. He’ll be joined by Matteo Jorgenson, the Paris-Nice champ who’s now firmly a leader for Visma. Also expected: Tom Pidcock, who has looked sharp all season, and Filippo Ganna, still chasing that big one-day breakthrough. And of course, Biniam Girmay, a major contender whenever the race is fast and unpredictable.

Gent-Wevelgem 2025: Wind, War, and the Kemmelberg

Then on Sunday, it’s time for Gent-Wevelgem—a slightly different test. 250 kilometers long, it's known for the Kemmelberg, tackled three times, and those gritty gravel Plugstreets. This isn’t quite the warzone that E3 is, but don’t be fooled: the final climb of the Kemmelberg comes with 34km to go, and if a selection is made there, it might stick. Otherwise, the sprinters get their shot.

We could see a heavyweight sprint showdown between Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, Mads Pedersen, Tim Merlier, and Biniam Girmay—all riders with the legs to handle the hills and the speed to win it all.

The Showdown Continues… Or Does It?

After Sanremo, the momentum is with Van der Poel. But these cobbled classics reward resilience, grit, and a bit of madness. Will we see another showdown? Will Pogačar return to the party? Will Van Aert bounce back, or will a new name rise in the chaos? Let the cobbled classics begin!