The Belgian put in a big ride in his last race with Soudal Quick-Step to rack up his fourth podium in a Monument.

Remco Evenepoel concluded second at Il Lombardia – the season’s fifth Monument – repeating last year’s result and signing off our team’s seventh top-three finish at the “Race of the Falling Leaves”. It was an emotional day for the 25-year-old and the entire Wolfpack, as Evenepoel made his final appearance in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey after seven incredible years, 59 victories as a member of the team and countless memorable moments.

The race opened up with 37 kilometers to go, on the hardest climb of the day, Passo di Ganda (9.3km, 7.2%). That’s where Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) made his move, riding away from the others that were still part of an already whittled-down peloton. Evenepoel rode his own tempo, gradually dropping the other men in the chasing group, until the point he remained alone in pursuit of the Slovenian inside 25 kilometers to go.

Evenepoel continued to tap out a solid rhythm, increasing his advantage over those behind and cementing his fourth podium finish in a Monument, which he achieved in Bergamo, where the 119th edition of Il Lombardia concluded after 238 kilometers. It was an emotional day not just for the Olympic Champion, but also for his Soudal Quick-Step teammate Pieter Serry, who said farewell to cycling after a remarkable pro career that stretched over 15 seasons.

“I’m glad I could end the season on a high level. I felt pretty good today in what was a hard race, which became even harder the moment we hit Ganda, where the pace at the front immediately went up. The guys in the squad did an excellent job positioning me, and then, when the gaps were made, I just tried to ride my tempo and go as fast as possible.”

“Second was the best possible result in this race and I’m happy I could give everything I had for the team in my last outing for the Wolfpack. I’m proud of what I achieved as a member of this squad, I’m happy with my time in the team, and I will always remember the last seven years, as it’s something that will forever be part of me”, said Remco, who has now finished on the podium in the last five races he has ridden, including the World and European Championships.

 

Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images