Arjen Livyns Triumphs in Harelbeke as Mayor Calls for E3 Saxo Comeback

Harelbeke (Eurotoday) – Arjen Livyns placed 25th and Vito Braet 31st in a local cycling race held in Harelbeke. Meanwhile, Mayor Michaël Vannieuwenhuze plans to run 32 kilometers during the E3 Saxo Classic for a charitable cause. Notably, professional cyclist Yves Lampaert was absent from the race.

Two hometown cyclists, Arjen Livyns and Vito Braet, went head-to-head in the Harelbeke race. Both riders finished in the same group, with Livyns taking 23rd place and Braet finishing 31st. Livyns emerged as the top Harelbeke local in the results.

Livyns expressed that while he always strives for a strong performance, racing alongside a fellow Harelbeke native brought extra excitement. He emphasized the strength of the city’s cycling culture and said it gave local fans a reason to cheer. Although the results weren’t ideal, he highlighted the friendly rivalry as a testament to the importance of camaraderie in cycling.

Livyns remarked,

“That way I will also be on the podium of the E3 Saxo Classic, because if I’m honest that will be very difficult, maybe even impossible. I had already thought about a counter-performance beforehand, and someone told me that I could make him somersault to the coast. That might be a bit extreme, so I will let him walk the border of Greater Harelbeke.”

Mayor Vannieuwenhuze’s 32km E3 Saxo charity run: A symbol of community spirit?

In an inspiring initiative, Harelbeke Mayor Michaël Vannieuwenhuze announced he would run approximately 32 kilometers during the E3 Saxo Classic. Though the challenge is significant, the mayor—who once regularly ran marathons—is enthusiastic and relieved he’s not attempting something more extreme, like somersaulting the distance. He acknowledged that his current schedule as mayor leaves little time for regular training but said he plans to resume workouts in preparation.

Mayor Vannieuwenhuze has also extended an invitation to Arjen Livyns to join him for a walk or ride on race day. The event aims to raise funds for a charity, which he and Livyns will choose together.

The mayor’s goal extends beyond personal achievement: he seeks to energize the town’s cycling spirit and shift the focus to all local talents, not just its most famous cyclist, Yves Lampaert. He expressed joy at seeing riders like Livyns and Braet receive more community support and used the event to blend athletic challenge with civic pride and charitable purpose.

Livyns also shared how meaningful the race was to him:

“I had a lot of friends, family and acquaintances at the start, and I heard my name more often than usual. We rode on my training roads and I only needed my smallest bike computer. I knew all the roads by heart.”

As part of the E3 Saxo Classic festivities, the mayor organized a special race exclusively for Harelbeke locals, aimed at showcasing the town’s cycling talent. Initially, four local cyclists were set to race, but one had to withdraw following an accident.

Absent from the lineup was Yves Lampaert, whose professional team instructed him to focus on another competition. Lampaert expressed disappointment at missing the hometown event but stated he had no choice. He also noted he wouldn’t even be able to watch the race as he was already traveling with his team for the next challenge.