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Belgium 27 Mar 2026 1.Ncup – 1 day – UCI Class Nations’ Cup
Website www.e3saxoclassic.be
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The E3 Saxo Classic Juniors (classified by the UCI as 1.Ncup) is the prestigious Under-19 counterpart to the professional men’s race. While the main event dates back to 1958, the junior edition is a more modern addition that has rapidly become one of the most important dates on the youth cycling calendar.
Evolution and Status
The junior race was established in 2015 to provide a platform for young talent to test themselves on the same iconic cobbled climbs as the pros.
- The Nations Cup (1.Ncup) Upgrade: A major turning point occurred when the race was elevated to the UCI Junior Nations Cup status. This is the highest level of competition for juniors, where riders compete for their national teams (e.g., Team Luxembourg, Team USA, Team Belgium) rather than their usual trade teams.
- The Route: The course typically covers around 120–140 km, starting and ending in Harelbeke. It includes legendary climbs like the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, though with slightly fewer total kilometers than the elite race to remain age-appropriate.
Historical Winners & Talent Pipeline
The race is famous for being a “star-maker.” Looking at the winners’ list reveals riders who have since become household names in professional cycling:
- Jasper Philipsen (2016): The Belgian sprint superstar was one of the earliest winners of the junior edition.
- Tobias Lund Andresen (2019): The Danish rider won before the race saw a brief hiatus (due to the global pandemic).
- Recent Champions:
- 2023: Sente Sentjens (Belgium)
- 2024: Seth Dunwoody (Ireland)
- 2025: Mikita Babovich
The 2026 Edition
As of today, Friday, March 27, 2026, the Junior Nations Cup race is taking place alongside the elite event. It features national squads from across the globe, including a strong presence from European nations like Luxembourg, Germany, and Italy, as well as international powerhouses like the United States.
