Van Aert fights to third place in E3 Saxo Classic on unfortunate day for Team Visma | Lease a Bike

**Title:** Wout van Aert Battles to Third Place in E3 Saxo Classic Amid Unfortunate Day for Team Visma | Lease a Bike

**Article:**

The 66th edition of the E3 Saxo Classic proved to be a challenging day for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, marked by unfortunate incidents for the riders. The race saw ups and downs for the team, with Per Strand Hagenes having to abandon due to a crash that resulted in a broken nose. As the race progressed, additional setbacks followed for Dylan van Baarle, Tiesj Benoot, and team leader Wout van Aert.

Van Aert, a two-time E3 winner, faced a tough moment during the race on the Paterberg climb, where he had a mishap that cost him crucial time. After the race, Van Aert reflected on the incident, stating, “It was a stupid crash. I wanted to gain a position via the cobbles, but my wheel got stuck on the edge. Before I knew it, I hit the ground.”

Despite the setback, Van Aert showed resilience and put up a notable performance, attempting to close the gap to the eventual winner, Mathieu van der Poel. Though he was unable to catch up, Van Aert managed to secure a commendable third-place finish. Regarding his efforts, he expressed, “For a while I believed I would close the gap to Van der Poel. Somehow I was relieved when Stuyven joined me. In hindsight, third place was still the highest possible.”

Matteo Jorgenson, another member of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, also showcased determination in the face of adversity, finishing in fifth place. Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, he acknowledged the challenges faced but remained optimistic for future races, stating, “I am looking forward to the upcoming classics, where hopefully we will have better luck as a team.”

Acknowledging the day’s obstacles, sports director Arthur van Dongen emphasized the importance of resilience in such situations, noting, “We have already managed to deal with bad luck situations in the past.” Despite the setbacks during the race, the team remains motivated and focused on upcoming events in the cycling calendar.

In the unpredictable world of professional cycling, Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s performance at the E3 Saxo Classic serves as a testament to the determination and perseverance of its riders in the face of adversity.