The organizers of the E3 Harelbeke will make some minor changes to the course for next season. Thus, the spring classic will have less climbs and be shorter. "However, a real bear will win this race," they have announced.

On March 25, 2016, the race will have its usual start and finish in the West Flemish town of Harelbeke. The race will be shortened from 215 to 205 kilometers and the number of climbs has been reduced to 17.

"The idea is to build a little more excitement," organizers Guy Dedeyne said. "The race will be different and we also opt to go to the first climb on wider roads. This is to guarantee the safety of the riders.

"The race will float and normally we should be able to start the first climb of the day with a compact peloton.

"There are also a few new cobblestones included in the course so the race will certainly not be easier. We can already say that a real bear will win this race."

E3 Harelbeke has been organized since 1957 and since 2011 it has been on the WorldTour calendar. Last season Geraint Thomas won after a nice solo move in the closing stages. Tom Boonen holds the record with five victories.