Michael Matthews narrowly missed out on his first-ever victory in a cycling monument last Saturday at Milan-San Remo. The 33-year-old Australian is seeking revenge in the E3 Saxo Classic, a race he has participated in only twice before.
"I'm really looking forward to the E3 Saxo Classic," Matthews states on the team's website. "I haven’t had a lot of success there in the past, but I am looking to change that this year. I think we have a strong team so can’t wait to start the Belgian classics."
Finishing thirteenth in 2018 and withdrawing from the race in 2021, Matthews hasn't yet enjoyed much success in the key preparatory race for the Tour of Flanders. Last Saturday, 'Bling' proved he had stellar legs by keeping up with the frontrunners on the Poggio, but he was outpaced in the sprint by Jasper Philipsen. In and around Harelbeke, the pocket sprinter will have the support of his fellow countrymen Kelland O’Brien, newcomer Blake Quick and Luke Durbridge, along with Norwegian Amund Grondahl Jansen, German Max Walscheid and Dutchman Elmar Reinders.
"E3 is possibly one of the hardest cobbled classics on the calendar," continues team director Matthew Hayman. "The climbs are unrelenting, and the riders tend to open the race very early. We have Michael Matthews coming off a fantastic ride in Milano-Sanremo to lead our team and he will be supported by some very experienced classics riders."
Selection Jayco-AlUla E3 Saxo Classic 2024
Luke Durbridge
Amund Grøndahl Jansen
Michael Matthews
Kell O'Brien
Blake Quick
Elmar Reinders
Max Walscheid
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