"This second place is worth as much as gold": Remco Evenepoel's parents' pride in his World Championship performance

The tension was palpable this Sunday in the heart of Schepdaal, where the fan bar "In de Rustberg" became the emotional epicenter of the cycling World Championships. There, amidst flags, chants and an atmosphere decorated with African winks, hundreds of fans gathered to support their local idol: Remco Evenepoel.

Despite falling short of gold, the young champion's silver medal was celebrated with an intensity that only a true local hero can inspire.

The climax of the day came around 4:00 p.m., when, after several mechanical mishaps that marked Evenepoel's race, applause broke out in the room. No matter the crashes, no matter the technical problems: Remco had given everything.

"Remco kept fighting, he never gave up. That's what we're most proud of," his mother, Agna, visibly moved by her son's fortitude, declared to Sporza emotionally. "This second place is worth as much as gold. He showed who he really is," she added.

His father, Patrick, also shared words of gratitude and satisfaction: "The best cyclist in the world has won, but Remco has given everything. We are very proud of him. The problem with the bike will be cleared up, but that's not important now."

The parents' excitement was evident. Although they were unable to hug the medalist in person, Agna laughingly confessed to having sent a message to her daughter-in-law, Oumi: "Let her give him the hug in my place. The rest will come when we see him."

The community of Schepdaal, Evenepoel's birthplace, once again showed its enormous devotion to the cyclist. The bar, specially transformed for the occasion, vibrated throughout the day. Although there were moments of frustration at the Belgian's bad luck, in the end the admiration and respect outweighed any disappointment.

"Once he gets over the first disappointment, Remco will be proud. We all want to win, but this also deserves a celebration," his mother said.