Evenepoel on the cusp of a golden autumn: Will the European champion seize the moment?

With a broad grin and the European champions’ white and blue jersey on his shoulders, Remco Evenepoel took centre stage in Slovenia on Sunday evening. The Belgian won the road race at the European Championships and thus capped off what had already been a strong finish to the season. Above all, however, he sent a clear message to the competition: anyone hoping to win the Tour of Lombardy this coming Saturday will find it hard to get past Evenepoel.

One development in particular is working in the favour of the 2024 Olympic champion and 2022 road world champion. Whilst he himself is riding from one success to the next, Tadej Pogačar – arguably his biggest rival – will be sidelined this autumn due to injury. The Slovenian was unable to defend his European Championship title on home soil and will also not be competing in the Tour of Lombardy. It is therefore clear that his run of five consecutive victories will come to an end on Saturday.

The European Championship title as yet another highlight

The route around Šenčur was anything but a walk in the park for the riders. With the climb to Možjanca, which had to be tackled repeatedly, and numerous metres of elevation gain, the route was clearly tailored to strong climbers and explosive sprinters. It was precisely there that Evenepoel showcased his qualities and prevailed against a top-class field of competitors.

It has long been known that the Belgian is one of the world’s strongest riders on this sort of terrain. What is impressive, however, is the consistency with which he has been performing at the very highest level for weeks. Whilst many professionals are gradually showing signs of fatigue after a long season, Evenepoel seems to be hitting top form once again just in time for the season finale.

The door is open

In recent years, there has often been no getting round Pogačar in the major autumn races. Whether it was the Tour of Lombardy, the World Championships or demanding one-day races, the Slovenian was almost always regarded as the man to beat. However, his withdrawal has changed the landscape. Suddenly, the pecking order in the peloton seems much more open, yet at present no one appears to have the all-round ability that Evenepoel possesses. This is another reason why the Belgian was already considered one of the top favourites at the European Championships.

What’s more, many of the remaining races on the calendar suit him well. Demanding climbs, selective finishes and prolonged solo attacks have been his hallmarks for years. Very few riders are able to attack so consistently from a distance on difficult courses and maintain their performance right to the finish line.

More than just a strong autumn

For Evenepoel, Saturday’s race is about more than just a victory. Every successful performance also strengthens his position in the cross-generational comparison with Pogačar and other top stars of his era. For a long time, the Belgian was described as an exceptional talent. He is now far more than that. Olympic champion, world champion, multiple time trial champion and now European road champion: the list of his achievements continues to grow. Winning the title in Slovenia demonstrates once again that he is not only capable of excelling in specific disciplines, but is now among the favourites to win in almost every major race.

Perfect timing

In cycling, it is often not just form that counts, but also timing. Evenepoel seems to have got it just right at the moment. As the season heads towards its final highlights, the Belgian is riding stronger than ever. At the same time, Pogačar – the rider most likely to give him a run for his money in the most important races – is absent.

Looking back, the European Championships in Slovenia may therefore have been more than just another title win. It may well have marked the start of a season finale that is all about Remco Evenepoel. The Tour of Lombardy is now just around the corner. But one thing is already clear: the new European champion is heading into the race brimming with confidence. And with perhaps the greatest opportunity of his career for a near-perfect autumn.