Tadej Pogacar the new Eddy Merckx? Not according to Remco Evenepoel: “Merckx also won his time trials”

Remco Evenepoel may be gearing up for his final race in the colours of Soudal - Quick-Step, but that didn’t stop him from offering a playful — and pointed — comparison between two of cycling’s modern and historical giants on the eve of Il Lombardia 2025.

Asked in his pre-race press conference whether Tadej Pogacar is currently riding like Eddy Merckx once did, the Belgian smiled before delivering his line: “Merckx also won his time trials,” Evenepoel quipped with a smirk, in quotes collected by HLN. 

The 2022 Vuelta a Espana winner was quick to make clear that his remark was made in good humour rather than as criticism. “He’s a special rider, and the way he’s ticking off all these boxes is simply incredible,” Evenepoel added. “He’s the best rider of the last few decades and the only one to come close to what Merckx once did. For me, that’s motivating — I want to reach that level too, but of course, that’s not easy.”

Pogacar, a four-time winner of the ‘Race of the Falling Leaves’, will start as the overwhelming favourite in Saturday’s 2025 edition, particularly on the Como–Bergamo route where he has previously sealed victory with a trademark attack on the Passo di Ganda.

Evenepoel, however, isn’t waving the white flag. “Of course it’s possible to beat Pogacar tomorrow. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “It’s a tough race, but there’s also a long flat section towards the finish. We’ll see how it plays out. I still feel really good. It will be important not to waste too much energy early on. It’s definitely a finale where you can’t give up. But obviously, it’s no secret that the UAE team is flying again.”

The 25-year-old is expecting another decisive move from the Slovenian on the final climb. “In recent editions of this route, he’s always attacked on the Passo di Ganda. We can more or less anticipate where he’ll make his move, but it will also depend on how the race unfolds beforehand.”

Il Lombardia also marks the end of an era for Evenepoel, who will line up for the last time in Soudal - Quick-Step blue before moving on to pastures new in 2026. “I haven’t prepared a speech for my farewell,” he admitted. “I’ll need to thank everyone, but not everyone from the team is here. I’ll probably just send a message in the group chat. We’ll see how everything goes tomorrow.”

Reflecting on his journey with the team, Evenepoel pointed to his 2022 Vuelta a Espana triumph as his defining memory. “That was unexpected and very special — our first overall win in a Grand Tour. To take it with just five riders left in Madrid is something I’ll never forget.”

Five years on from his high-speed crash at Lombardia in 2020, the race now carries a different emotional weight. “I don’t really think about the crash anymore. It’s been five years,” he said. “Tomorrow is mainly about my final race for the team, and that motivates me to give everything one last time. I want to give the team one final gift.”

Evenepoel arrives in northern Italy in strong form, having shown consistent performances in recent weeks. “I feel that I’ve been riding at a high level,” he said. “It’s hard to compare with Tadej, of course — he looked incredible at the Worlds and Europeans. But I’m happy with my own form. Tomorrow I’ll give everything to get as close to the win as possible.”

The curtain will soon fall on his time at Soudal - Quick-Step, but one thing is clear: Evenepoel doesn’t plan on making his exit quietly.