Wuyts calls van der Poel one of the greatest: "He can complete a unique combo this spring"

After a fantastic weekend, during which we enjoyed an incredible final of Milan-Sanremo, featuring Mathieu van der Poel beating Filippo Ganna and Tadej Pogacar in a tremendous three-way battle, the next important race is already scheduled for Friday. The E3 Saxo Classic kicks off the Belgian spring, and we immediately see a great battle between the top riders on the slopes of the Tour of Flanders. And Wout van Aert finally makes his return to competition. A moment many enthusiasts have been waiting for.

In the podcast, Wuyts and Vlaeminck also look forward to this, but first, they must digest last weekend. "It was a great race; it was just really exceptional. The most important thing is that the taboo of waiting until the Poggio has been broken, and I expect that now we will get a race on the Cipressa every year," Michel Wuyts says.

"Mathieu is one of the greatest in cycling history, and in the past ten years, he has certainly been in the top three," Wuyts continues with praise. "You also shouldn't forget what he accomplishes every year in cyclo-cross. He is so incredibly strong in the one-day races that I would place him in the top ten of the best riders in the entire cycling history. He is simply a genius."

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Next Friday we will finally see another duel between the two great rivals

The E3 is the most beautiful Belgian spring race for many riders

The Belgian analyst is now looking ahead to the E3 Saxo Classic, which he considers perhaps the most beautiful Belgian spring race. "It is also called the mini-version of the Tour of Flanders, but enough of that. It is a lovely race where you hardly have time to rest between the hills. It is no coincidence that this is the race that Matteo Jorgenson, among others, has his sights set on."

And for former winner Fabian Cancellara, this may also be one of his best races. "It's been long since I won here, but I remember it well. I've won many races, but my victory in the E3 was perhaps one of my best, also because of the great fans and the wonderful cycling culture that reigns in Belgium."

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Will Mathieu get any more big wins this spring?

Will Van der Poel go for a unique combo?

Van Aert will make his comeback in the peloton on Friday, and everyone in Belgium hopes he will be competitive enough. "I hope that Van Aert can already show in the E3 that he can keep up with Van der Poel and might even be better in the Tour of Flanders. At least, that's what I hope, just like all the other Flemish people. But with Van der Poel in this form, it will be a challenge," Wuyts says.

"Van Aert will be at the start with a strong team," Jan Bakelants continues. "Collectively, they are the strongest, especially with Matteo Jorgenson as an asset. If Wout wins on Friday, he will feel relieved. He can undoubtedly be satisfied if he can sprint for the win."

"Van der Poel may complete the unique combo," Wuyts says, referring to winning Milan-Sanremo, E3 Saxo Classic, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix. "He has already won the most difficult ones, and if you see how well he is riding now, it is reasonable to assume that he will succeed. But he will not focus on it."

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