'I gave up, actually, because they were so close' – Mathieu van der Poel made to look human despite completing E3 Saxo Classic hat-trick with 'one of my best efforts'

Mathieu van der Poel secured a remarkable third consecutive E3 Saxo Classic victory yesterday, extending his solo break for 63 kilometers despite admitting he nearly "gave up" as a chasing quartet closed in. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider crossed the line with a 1:31 advantage over Jasper Philipsen, with Oier Lazkano and Nils Politt completing the podium. This dominant performance underscores his formidable early-season form.

This latest triumph marks Van der Poel's first significant road win of the 2024 season, following a successful cyclocross campaign. His ability to maintain such a long solo effort, even under pressure, speaks volumes about his current condition and tactical prowess. The chasing group's inability to organize effectively against a single rider, even one of Van der Poel's caliber, highlights the perennial challenge of coordinating efforts in such high-stakes races, a familiar narrative in the Classics.

Van der Poel's "human" admission, despite the crushing victory, merely confirms what we already knew: even the best need a moment of doubt to remind us they're not entirely alien. The chasing pack, meanwhile, offered a masterclass in how not to catch a world champion.