"You saved my life 4 years ago" - Remco Evenepoel made tribute to his DS before crossing the line in Lombardia

Remco Evenepoel has ridden his third Il Lombardia this Saturday and rode to a strong second place only behind an unbeatable Tadej Pogacar. A 'personal victory' for the Belgian who almost lost his life here four years ago, and before crossing the finish line he made a tribute to his DS who was in the car.

With a strong ascent to the Colma di Sormano and an equally strong descent, the Belgian managed to go clear of the rest of the field to pursue the World Champion. That would be in vain, but it captured him a second place which specially looked good after he struggled in the Italian classics over the past week. Evenepoel was emotional after finishing his final race of the 2024 season - one that carried lots of success - and after the finish it was also revealed was he said to the team radio moments before the finish line.

"Brama[ti], this one is for you. You saved my life 4 years ago," team DS Davide Bramati shared with Sporza after the finish line. A successful outcome for the team in the final monument of the year, and the first time Evenepoel finished high up the standings in the race. Three years ago he finished outside the Top10 and four years ago it finished in a ravine on the descent of Sormano.

At the time, Evenepoel suffered a terrifying crash down a bridge which saw him fracture his pelvis but also lung contusions. For any rider a brutal injury, but specially for a 20-year old rider who at the time had the weight (and pressure) of the world on his shoulders. At the time Bramati was in the team car and was one of the people who walked down the forest section towards Evenepoel to assist in the medical task of getting him out and then into the hospital in Lombardy. Evenepoel did not forget that and, racing to a second place that puts this story behind him, kindly shared a few words of grattitude captured on the race broadcast.