It's time to turn the page on a remarkable chapter in cycling history. Remco Evenepoel, after seven years with Soudal-QuickStep, is moving on—but not before leaving us with a season finale that’s as bittersweet as it is inspiring. His 2025 campaign concluded with yet another second-place finish, this time at Il Lombardia, where he once again found himself in the shadow of the unstoppable Tadej Pogačar. But here's where it gets controversial: is Evenepoel’s consistent runner-up status a testament to his resilience, or a reminder of the gap he still needs to bridge? Let’s dive in.
Evenepoel’s final race with Soudal-QuickStep mirrored a pattern that’s become all too familiar. Despite giving it his all, he was forced to acknowledge Pogačar’s dominance, a reality that tempered his post-race emotions. “I gave it my all, but the same guy was better again,” Evenepoel admitted after the podium ceremony. This wasn’t just a one-off—it was the third time in as many weeks that he’d finished second to Pogačar, following the World Championships and the European Championships. And this is the part most people miss: Evenepoel’s ability to consistently place second against one of the greatest cyclists of his generation is, in itself, a remarkable achievement.
But what’s the secret behind Pogačar’s repeated victories? Evenepoel offered a candid explanation: “When the pace is high, Pogačar can accelerate a bit. The rest have to do their own thing.” It’s a simple yet profound insight into the Slovenian’s dominance. Evenepoel has learned to focus on his own race, refusing to be rattled by Pogačar’s seated power surges—a strategy that, while not yet yielding a win, showcases his mental toughness.
The Il Lombardia race was a microcosm of this dynamic. “Everything went perfectly until UAE pushed ahead. There were only four of us left behind Pogačar. It was clear he was better,” Evenepoel recounted. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment: “It’s just a shame I finished second three weeks in a row.” But here’s the bold question: Is finishing second to Pogačar really a failure, or is it a benchmark of excellence in a sport where victory is often decided by millimeters and milliseconds?
As Evenepoel reflects on his time with Soudal-QuickStep, his pride is palpable. “I’m very happy and proud to have been the leader in this team, to have taken a lot of victories for this team,” he said. His final push at Il Lombardia was a testament to his unwavering spirit: “I wanted to give myself one more time at the maximum, and I think I did that again. I’m the type of guy who will always keep fighting till the end.”
Now, as Evenepoel embarks on a new chapter, the cycling world is left to wonder: Will he finally dethrone Pogačar, or will their rivalry continue to define the sport? One thing’s for sure—this isn’t the last we’ll hear from Remco Evenepoel. What do you think? Is Evenepoel’s second-place streak a sign of untapped potential, or is Pogačar simply in a league of his own? Let us know in the comments!
