The Giro di Lombardia today saw Tadej Pogacar win for the fifth consecutive time, while Remco Evenepoel once again had to surrender, settling for second place. The Autumn Classic also closed an important chapter, that of the seven years Remco Evenepoel spent with Quick Step. During this long period, the Belgian grew and became a champion while also learning to control his temperament, which sometimes led him to say too much or have somewhat heated reactions. Evenepoel in Bergamo arrived second again behind Tadej Pogacar, a result that could be important for many, but not for him, whose only goal is victory.

"I must be happy. I think I did my race, gave my maximum and, secondly, this is the story of recent weeks" - said Evenepoel with some regret - "So I'm happy with the sensations, how I raced, positioning, descents and everything else. I can only be happy and proud of concluding the season this way".

There was no usual smile on Evenepoel's face and in his words, there is a clear desire to start a new sporting chapter with Red Bull - Bora Hansgrohe, the team he will race with next year.

"The years with the team have been wonderful. I am very proud of having been the leader of this team. These are moments I will certainly carry with me for the rest of my life, but in the end, it's time for something new and I want to wish everyone good luck for their future".

In recent weeks, the Belgian has always finished second behind Tadej Pogacar, a result that stings and leads Evenepoel to make some considerations. We saw him second at the World Championships in the road race and then at the European Championships, and finally today, in the last race of the season. "I really don't know what to say about this. I worked alone again because others didn't collaborate. But that's fine with me because in the end I manage to drop the others and continue on my path, which is what I continued to do in these last weeks. I am calm because I am certain I did everything in the best way".

Today Remco will say goodbye to the pack of wolves, those teammates who followed him these years. "I will take off this jersey, but that doesn't mean I won't keep it, it will always remain one of the most beautiful things in my life. Now I'll take a break, but above all I want to get to know the new team. There will be new days with the team or a short training camp. Then there will be other rest days, and then we'll go back to work. I can't wait to start because when the new season begins, there will be work for you journalists too".