The E3 Saxo Bank Classic 2022 has begun. Athletes were happy to race in warm and sunny spring conditions, and with no wind and no risk of echelon, the race looks to be fast and tactical. Click here for live coverage on CyclingNews.

The E3 Saxo Bank Classic is an important test race for the Tour of Flanders, and the route will be similar to next Sunday's "Des Rondes", heading into the heart of the Flanders Ardennes with 17 climbs and a total distance of 203.9 km.

The racers will start in Harelbeke and after a mostly flat first 80 km, there will be a series of ups and downs until the finish.

Wout Van Aert returns to lead the strong Jumbo Visma Classic team. Also, Milan-San Remo champion Matej Mohoric will lead the Bahrain-Victorias without his famous dropper seatpost.

Cycling News will have Patrick Fletcher and Barry Ryan on the ground at the E3 Saxo Bank Classic to talk to the riders before the start and bring you exclusive news, interviews, and analysis after the race. Here's what the big names had to say before the start.

"I am really happy to be here with such a strong team, especially with the disease epidemic in the peloton. I am very happy to be here with such a strong team, especially with the disease being so prevalent in the peloton. This is a big advantage for us

"Our only goal is to do the best we can as a team and win this race. We want to get a big result

"I think Trek is really strong with Mohoric, Asgreen, and Steuben and Pedersen. I also want to keep an eye on Claf Andersen, Seneschal, and Laporte.

"Teyenberg is the key today. After that the race will completely explode in the narrow streets."

"My condition is pretty good and I am confident that I am surrounded by a good team, so I will fight for the win.

"I think today is harder overall than San Remo. I think today will be harder overall than San Remo because the final in San Remo is hard and very intense, but the race as a whole is easy. There are plenty of opportunities to empty the legs before the final."

"It's a really tough race and the track is pretty intense. It's going to be a tough day."

"I think it's possible, but it will be difficult. The races here in Flanders are always difficult. I had a good run last year, but this year I can't guarantee it, I hope I have the same legs as in 2021."

"There has hardly been a spring without worries. The advantage is that I've learned to deal with it and always do my best. There is still a quiet hope burning in me to accomplish something in the spring, and sometimes I succeed.

"The only virus I have not yet contracted is COVID-19. My condition is definitely not what it should be. It sucks, but I am happy to be here today. Flanders is definitely too early. The only chance to be in great shape is in Roubaix. I want to see how it goes today and Sunday. From there we can move forward." (Sporza)

"I just have to put three out of five races to my name. With the intense hills in the middle of the race, you never know when the decisive moment will come. That's the beauty of E3

"Mads Pedersen and I are on the same level. I would love to be in the finals with him. We haven't been able to do that yet. I'm in good shape and I shouldn't have any problems today." (VTM)

"I started with more doubt than before Omloop Het Niusbrod.

"We are racing for the win. Of course, Van Aert has the biggest chance, but it doesn't mean that only one rider can win. Other teams will be watching us, too."

"The question for me is, what did [three weeks without racing] ask of my body? Today we will find out. But I can definitely get better. (Sporza)

Michal Valgren (EF Education - Easy Post)

"I feel fine. Now all I need is some luck and maybe I can get a good result. This race is on my bucket list."

Greg Van Avermaat (AG2R Citroen)

"This is a fair race, I'm very happy to run the final again. I would be very happy to run the final again, it's one of the most beautiful races of the year. It's a mini Tour of Flanders and I love coming back here." (Sporza)

Victor Kampenaerts (Lotto Soudal)

"It's a tricky race anyway, but with good legs you can definitely make the final and I think I have that." (Het Nieuwsblad)

Oliver Naessen (AG2R Citroen)

"Of course, you can't erase a sick week. But I've worked hard for this period and my physical condition won't disappear. I'm in good shape." (Het Laatste Nieuws)