E3 Saxo Classic: Mathieu van der Poel takes stunning solo win

Image 1 of 24

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won the first head-to-head battle with Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) at the E3 Saxo Classic, attacking alone on the Paterberg with 43 km to go and then holding off his big rival in a tense pursuit match to the finish.

Van der Poel was ever-aggressive during the final two hours of racing, often attacking and chasing other moves. He was isolated and outnumbered but still emerged as the strongest rider in the race.