The 2013 E3 Harelbeke was a one-day professional road cycling race held on March 22, 2013. It was the 56th running of the E3 Harelbeke, a prominent event in the Flemish cycling calendar. The race was the sixth event of the 2013 UCI World Tour and served as a significant preparatory race for the Tour of Flanders, which took place a week later.
Race Details: The race commenced and concluded in Harelbeke, Belgium, covering a challenging distance of approximately 211 kilometers. The route was characterized by numerous hellingen (short, steep climbs, many of which are cobbled) and cobblestone sections, typical of the Belgian spring classics. These iconic features, including climbs such as the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the race.
Competition: As a UCI World Tour event, the 2013 E3 Harelbeke attracted a strong field of classics specialists and their respective teams. The peloton included many of the sport's top riders renowned for their abilities in cobbled races, all vying for victory and to test their form ahead of the Monument races.
Race Summary: The race saw a decisive move by Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack–Leopard), who launched a powerful attack on the Oude Kwaremont climb. He managed to open a significant gap on his rivals, demonstrating exceptional strength and tactical acumen. Despite efforts from the chasing group, Cancellara maintained his lead and rode solo to the finish line in Harelbeke, securing a dominant victory. This marked Cancellara's third win at E3 Harelbeke, further cementing his status as a legendary classics rider.
Results: | Rank | Rider | Team | Time | | :--- | :------------------ | :-------------------- | :-------- | | 1 | Fabian Cancellara | RadioShack–Leopard | 5h 08' 28"| | 2 | Peter Sagan | Cannondale | + 1' 04" | | 3 | Daniel Oss | BMC Racing Team | + 1' 04" | | 4 | Geraint Thomas | Sky Procycling | + 1' 04" | | 5 | Edvald Boasson Hagen| Sky Procycling | + 1' 04" | | 6 | Sébastien Langeveld | Orica–GreenEDGE | + 1' 08" | | 7 | Sylvain Chavanel | Omega Pharma–Quick-Step | + 1' 08" | | 8 | Tom Boonen | Omega Pharma–Quick-Step | + 2' 15" | | 9 | Luca Paolini | Team Katusha | + 2' 15" | | 10 | Stijn Vandenbergh | Omega Pharma–Quick-Step | + 2' 15" |