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'There's another important race on Saturday' - Evenepoel eyes Il Lombardia showdown after Euros triumph
Remco Evenepoel thanked his Belgian teammates for helping him to European Championships road race victory but his focus now switches to his final goal of 2026.
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Cor Vos
Remco Evenepoel celebrated completing his set of world and European titles with his Belgian teammates on Sunday night but his thoughts have already turned to Il Lombardia, his final major goal for 2026.
The new European road champion will then end his season at the Chrono des Nations on October 18, using the 45km time trial for bike testing, before finally enjoying a holiday.
All told, Evenepoel will have raced for 54 days in his first season at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a campaign that has included a Tour of Flanders debut, an Amstel Gold Race victory and second place at the Tour de France. In recent weeks, Evenepoel has won a fourth time trial world title and then pulled on the distinctive European road race champion's jersey.
"It is not only a European title, but also the very last jersey that was still missing. A very special one. After a race like that, the boys have earned a celebration," Evenepoel said on Sunday evening, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
Victory in Slovenia was a huge relief for the Belgian after struggling at the World Championships in Canada.
"It was a really tough week for me after the deception of the world. I think it was playing more in my head than I've been showing, so it's a big relief to be back on a good level," he said immediately post-race.
"I hope I have made all the Belgians proud. It feels fantastic to have taken all the jerseys now. The focus is now on Lombardia, but tonight I'm going to throw a good party."
The week ahead
On Monday morning, Evenepoel went for a recovery ride in Slovenia before flying home to Belgium.
He will attend the graduation of his wife's eldest brother and then travel to Italy on Wednesday as he builds towards Il Lombardia.
Thursday is traditionally the route reconnaissance day, with the team presentation in Bergamo on Friday afternoon and then the 239km race on Saturday.
This year's edition of Il Lombardia starts in Bergamo and ends in Como. Evenepoel crashed into a ravine in 2020 when Il Lombardia also ended in Como, but the 2027 route will not take in the Colma di Sormano.
Evenepoel is likely to ride the final 140km of the route during his recon, including the Giovenzana, Madonna del Ghisallo, San Fermo della Battaglia and Civiglio climbs.
"There is another important race on Saturday,” Evenepoel said of Il Lombardia, making it clear he will not switch off until Saturday night.
