Remco Evenepoel is smiling and during the press conference on the eve of Il Lombardia, his last race with Soudal - Quick Step, he stated that he is satisfied with his career and the path he has taken. Regarding his expectations, at the Giro di Lombardia he has come to win: "Pogacar - says the Belgian - even if incredibly strong, cannot always be the first".

The Belgian was asked about his journey and these 7 years with Soudal-Quick Step, a team he will leave at the end of the year to wear the Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe jersey. "I have improved in everything and this is normal - Evenepoel declared - I needed time to feel good. When I started winning races, things also went better. But what I am most proud of is that I always came back after my injuries. I got back up and improved every time".

Seven years is a long time with the same team, especially when you achieve great results.
"What is my best memory of seven years with Quick-Step? The Vuelta in 2022. It was the first victory in a grand tour for me and also for the team. It was also an unexpected moment. We were only five left in the team. We were dreaming of finishing in the top five and suddenly I won. Needless to say how important that victory was".

Everyone remembers Remco Evenepoel's accident during the 2020 Giro di Lombardia and the problems with rehabilitation and the effort to start winning again. For the Belgian, that was one of the darkest periods of his career. Now, however, everything has passed and tomorrow he hopes to do well and take his revenge.

"I no longer think about that accident, it has been processed. But the fact that this is my last race for the Wolfpack is an additional motivation to play for the victory once again. I am not sad, but I am even more motivated. I would like to give them a nice farewell gift and a victory would be a nice thing to leave them. In these years I have had both beautiful and difficult moments, but the beautiful moments are the ones that remain. I can say how grateful I am for the opportunities I have been given".

Remco Evenepoel spoke about his fitness level and thinks he has done everything possible to arrive at this appointment in the best form.

"I did my best at the World Championships and Europeans. I have reached a very high level, perhaps the best for one-day races. Of course, there is still a difference compared to Tadej Pogacar. However, I am happy with the progress I have made and will do my best tomorrow in the race. Do I believe I can win against Pogacar? Why not, otherwise I wouldn't be here. We know that Tadej has won many times at Lombardia, but the finale is flat and perfect for me and I still feel good".