After seven incredible years, a new chapter begins for Remco Evenepoel. His journey with Soudal-QuickStep has concluded, and his 2025 season ended with a familiar face at the top: Tadej Pogačar. This time, it was at Il Lombardia, where Evenepoel secured another second-place finish. But what does this mean for the future?
Evenepoel, despite the disappointment of being bested by Pogačar, expressed contentment at the season's close. "I gave it my all, the same guy was better again," he acknowledged after the race. This sentiment echoes a recurring theme throughout the season.
This second-place finish at Il Lombardia adds to a series of near misses. Evenepoel has also finished second to Pogačar at the World Championships and the European Championships. He's learned to focus on his own performance, especially when Pogačar unleashes his powerful attacks. "It was just the story of the past few races. When the pace is high, Pogačar can accelerate a bit. The rest have to do their own thing," Evenepoel explained, showcasing a strategic acceptance of Pogačar's dominance.
Evenepoel further elaborated, "Everything went perfectly until UAE pushed ahead. There were only four of us left behind Pogačar. It was clear he was better. I think he was outstanding. I can't complain, it's just a shame I finished second three weeks in a row." This highlights the fine margins in elite cycling and the consistent excellence of Pogačar.
Looking back on his time with Soudal-QuickStep, Evenepoel reflected with pride. "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 stated. He emphasized his commitment, saying, "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, and I did that."
But here's where it gets controversial... Is Evenepoel's consistent second-place finish a sign of his limitations, or simply a testament to Pogačar's unparalleled talent? What strategies could Evenepoel adopt to overcome this challenge in the future? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
