Matthews eyes revenge in E3 Saxo Classic, after uppercut in Milan-San Remo: "So far, I have had little success there"
CyclingThursday, 21 March 2024 at 09:11
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
Amund Grøndahl Jansen
Michael Matthews
Kell O'Brien
Blake Quick
Elmar Reinders
Max Walscheid
Il Lombardia 2024
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024