"I’m really sorry – I gave it my all, but it just wasn’t quite enough": Heartbreak for Christian Scaroni, who narrowly misses podium at European Championships 2025

Christian Scaroni crossed the line in fourth in the men's elite road race at the 2025 European Championships, utterly spent, emotionally raw, and with the weight of Italy’s national colours heavy on his shoulders.

Just a few seconds off a career-defining podium — in a race lit up by the sport’s modern giants — the 27-year-old Italian came agonisingly close to one of the best results of his career, but had to settle for heartbreak instead.

“I’m really sorry,” Scaroni said, visibly emotional after the finish in conversation with Cycling Pro Net. “I gave everything for this podium, but it just wasn’t quite enough. My legs were completely gone on the last climb… I had nothing left to give.”

Scaroni was part of the elite chasing group that formed after Tadej Pogacar’s devastating solo attack with 75km to go — a group that included Remco Evenepoel, Juan Ayuso, and rising French talent Paul Seixas.

While Pogacar stormed to a second major title in as many weeks, and Evenepoel powered clear in pursuit of silver, Scaroni found himself locked in a relentless battle with Seixas for the final step on the podium. The Italian was determined. The effort was clear. But in the final kilometres, his strength faltered.

“I attacked so many times, tried everything to hold on, but in the last few kilometres I just couldn’t follow anymore,” Scaroni admitted. “Seixas was stronger in the end. I’m disappointed, of course — not for myself so much as for the team, who gave up so much to support me today.”

Despite falling just short of the podium, Scaroni has reason to be proud. He came into the European Championships with his best form of the season — and perhaps of his career — after specifically targeting this race for months. “I came here in the best shape I’ve ever had. I was focused on this race for the past three months,” he said. “I prepared really well, and I was ready. I gave absolutely everything today.”

Scaroni’s performance showed that he's capable of mixing it with the very best — not just surviving in elite company, but actively shaping the final. His grit and tactical awareness kept him in the fight even as his energy waned. “We never really thought about chasing Pogacar — once he had 20 or 30 seconds, you know how hard that is. We just focused on staying together and playing for the podium. We gave everything for that.”

Scaroni now turns his attention back to Italy, where he'll race Gran Piemonte before lining up for Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the season — though he admits the parcours may not suit his strengths perfectly. “Maybe the climbs are a bit too long for me in Lombardia, but I’ll try anyway. I want to finish the season on a high note,” he said.

For now, though, the disappointment of fourth will sting. But in a race dominated by names like Pogacar and Evenepoel, Christian Scaroni’s ride was a reminder that heart, hunger, and sheer determination still count for something — even if they don’t always come with a medal.