Remco Evenepoel ended his time with Soudal-QuickStep and his 2025 season with another second place behind Tadej Pogačar at Il Lombardia. He was again forced to accept Pogačar's superiority, defeat tempering his post-race emotions, but he was happy to finally end the season.
"I gave it my all, the same guy was better again," Evenepoel said after the podium ceremony.
"In the end, I finished second again, but I'm happy with the way I did it. I can be proud of how I've finished the season."
Evenepoel has now finished second behind Pogačar at the World Championships, the European Championships and the final moment of the season.
He has learnt to focus on his own race and results when the Slovenian makes his seated power surges. "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.
"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."
Teammate Pieter Serry came to the podium area to see Evenepoel after the final race of his career ended early. Evenepoel later hugged all his teammates and staff at the team bus, but there was no emotional goodbye.
Evenepoel ended his contract a year early to move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for 2026, forcing the Belgian team to rebuild and return to focusing on the Classics. Il Lombardia marked the end of an era.
“I’m very happy and proud to have been the leader in this team, to have taken a lot of victories for this team," Evenepoel said with pride.
"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.
"The last seven years is something I will take with me for the rest of my life, but I think now it's time to start something new."
