Remco Evenepoel ahead of Lombardia return: "UAE will have to carry the race. Pogacar has only himself to blame for that"

Remco Evenepoel is ending his season today at Il Lombardia and he needs it quite a bit. The Belgian is quite tired after a long but very successful season, and he is hoping to strike one final time this Saturday afternoon in the final monument of the year.

“It is always nice to be here when the sun is shining. The Italian public is always euphoric. Give it everything one more time and then the season is over. The weather is also perfect, so I won't freeze," Evenepoel told Sporza ahead of the race.

The main favourite: Tadej Pogacar. “I think it is logical that UAE will have to carry the race. Pogacar has only himself to blame for that. I want to follow as long as possible. If that doesn't work, it will be a bit like applying the Tour tactics and riding at my own pace. Limit the damage. We also want to try to stay together with two riders and be on the defensive. That will be important in the final.”

Evenepoel's tactic is one of focus and timing. Despite not having the best legs of the season, and struggling over the past week, he will be looking to save his legs as much as possible ahead of what he considers to be the main ascent of the day.

“I expect the race to explode on the Sormano. It would be strange if Tadej went earlier. He has the power to outrun everyone there. It is an effort of more than 30 minutes. We have to be ready for a tough battle there. After that it is largely downhill until the last climb. It will be important to have a surplus in the background, to set up the organization and who knows, we might return.” The Belgian doesn't hold many hopes of matching Pogacar uphill but is hopeful of strong legs which could see him possibly coming back to victory contention.

But after several high-level wins and results over the past few months, there's not much pressure on his shoulders. “I am satisfied if I ride a good race. I hope to move up a little in the ranking every year. Last year I was ninth, so I want to do better. We are aiming for the podium, but if I give my all, I cannot blame myself," he concluded.