Peter Sagan racing to win in E3 Harelbeke, Ghent-Wevelgem and Flanders
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Peter Sagan (Cannondale) aims for another classic win after missing out in Milan-San Remo last weekend. This week he races in E3 Harelbeke, Ghent-Wevelgem and of course, the Tour of Flanders.
"We are not going to overlook this race, Piccolo Fiandre," Stefano Zanatta told CW. "We can't just take it easy here and rest. Here, Sunday and next Sunday, we are going to race to win with Peter."
Zanatta organised papers in the team car and stepped out for a chat ahead of the E3 Harelbeke today in Belgium.
Fans gravitated towards the buses of home teams Omega Pharma and Lotto, and Fabian Cancellara's team RadioShack bus. However, in the green bus parked up front prepared perhaps the brightest star.
Zanatta has been following Sagan since he won in the 2008 mountain bike World Championships. He saw him through his debut year in 2010, his rise and confirmation last year in the Tour de France. Given the steady progression, a Milan-San Remo win seemed almost natural.
Ciolek under-valued
Cannondale played its cards correctly on Sunday in Italy. Damiano Caruso and Moreno Moser worked to get Sagan in the winning move. Once there, Sagan suffered with all the attention on him.
Sagan had to chase down attacks by Luca Paolini and Cancellara, while also keeping enough in the tank for a sprint. He apparently underestimated how much he would need to take on eventual winner, Gerald Ciolek (MTN-Qhubeka).
"He started the sprint too soon, but you also have to figure he worked so much in the last five kilometres to close the gap to be able to have a chance a sprint. It was not guaranteed with those guys that it was going to be a sprint," Zanatta continued.
"Sagan knew [Ciolek] was fast, but he under-valued him a little. He didn't have the time to take it all in, go back and have a look.
"He gets upset if he loses a card game, so you can imagine with San Remo. I said, 'Peter, this is all experience, another step ahead to mature.' Two years ago he arrived 17th, then fourth last year and now second. I told him to turn the page and think about the next races."
Next races
Sagan stepped out of the bus and into the cold air while Zanatta talked. He signed several autographs and rode away to the start line.
"You can also see that Sagan is beatable," added Zanatta. "He has his ways of winning: solo, in a sprint, an attack... He's not like Vincenzo Nibali, who has to arrive alone, or like Mark Cavendish, in a sprint. Ciolek showed that you can beat him. Sagan's a favourite, but not the number one."
Related links
Ciolek plays perfect tactical game to win Milan-San Remo
Peter Sagan: Rider Profile
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Inspired by bikepacking events overseas, Rapha introduces the Rapha Yomp Rally
Rapha today announced the launch of the inaugural Rapha Yomp Rally, a five-day 375-mile adventure across some of the most stunning mixed-terrain roads California has to offer.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
From false promises and heartbreak to hope - How Heidi Franz is bouncing back from the last-minute collapse of B&B Hotels
Mind games, false promises and a life left in limbo. How American Heidi Franz navigated the B&B Hotels demise and found a kickstart to her new European life
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Biniam Girmay eyes Tour of Flanders and Tour de France success in 2023
After becoming first African rider to win Gent-Wevelgem, Girmay plans to take aim at the Tour of Flanders and other monuments next year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tour of Flanders Espoirs cancelled indefinitely
The race's date, location and lack of young riders are all factors in the organiser's decision
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
No fans at Tour of Flanders and other Classics in 2021, according to organisers
There will be no fans at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Ghent-Wevelgem, Dwars Door Vlaanderen, Scheldeprijs or Brabantse Pijl in 2021
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
How watching 25 years of Tour of Flanders footage is helping scientists study climate change
It might sound like an excuse to watch some bike racing, but scientists are using footage of the Tour of Flanders to help them study climate change.
By Henry Robertshaw • Published
-
Peter Sagan: 'If the other riders don't wake up, it's going to be like this'
"It's not just me that they need to beat" Peter Sagan said of his rivals after Quick-Step Floors dominated the Tour of Flanders
By Gregor Brown • Published
-
Five things we learned from the 2018 Tour of Flanders
We take a look at the main talking points from the 2018 edition of the Tour of Flanders
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
Niki Terpstra leaves rivals reeling with amazing Tour of Flanders solo win
Dutchman Niki Terpstra adds a Tour of Flanders victory to his 2018 E3 Harelbeke win and 2014 Paris-Roubaix title after a trademark long-range solo attack
By Nigel Wynn • Published
-
Luke Rowe disqualified from Tour of Flanders: 'I'm just gutted'
Team Sky Welshman Luke Rowe reportedly rode onto bike path in among spectators during the Tour of Flanders
By Nigel Wynn • Published