Remco Evenepoel concluded his time with Soudal-QuickStep and the 2025 season with yet another second-place finish behind Tadej Pogačar at the Giro di Lombardia. The Belgian champion was once again forced to surrender to the Slovenian's superiority, with disappointment tempering his post-race emotions, although he was relieved to finally have finished the season.

"I gave it my all, but the guy himself was once again stronger," Evenepoel said after the podium ceremony. "In the end, I finished second again, but I'm happy with how I rode. I can be proud of how I finished the season."

For Evenepoel, this is his third consecutive second-place finish behind Pogačar in the last three weeks, following his placings at the World Championships and the European Championships. The Belgian has learned to focus on his own performance when the Slovenian launches his deadly attacks from a seated position: "It's been the same story as in the last few races. When the pace is high, Pogačar always manages to accelerate a bit. The others have to make their own race."

"Everything was going perfectly until UAE upped the pace. There were only four of us left behind Pogačar. It was clear he was stronger. I think it was extraordinary. I can't complain, it's just a shame to have finished second for three weeks in a row."

Evenepoel proudly commented on his seven years with the team: "I'm very happy and proud to have been the leader of this team and to have achieved so many victories. I'm someone who always fights until the end, and I proved it again today. The last seven years are something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life, but now it's time to start something new," referring to his move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for 2026.

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