As he enters final stretch towards Lombardy, Evenepoel reflects on day of personal significance: 'years of sacrifice'

Evenepoel had a very successful end to his season. He became world time trial champion for the fourth consecutive year, after having already won the GP Québec. Things didn’t go as well at the Road World Championships, where he finished in 12th place. However, he redeemed himself by claiming the European road title, beating Giulio Ciccone—albeit by a narrow margin.

After clinching his latest major international title—Evenepoel had already won world titles in road racing and time trials, the European time trial championship, and both Olympic titles—it was time for the 26-year-old Belgian to take a break.

However, before the European Championships, it was announced that he would also compete in the Tour of Lombardy and the Chrono des Nations, after which his offseason will officially begin.

For the all-around rider, a victory in the Tour of Lombardy would be his third win in a Monument, and his first outside of Liège–Bastogne–Liège.

With Tadej Pogačar absent, a rare opportunity has presented itself, and he could pull off a great performance while wearing the European champion’s jersey.

On Strava, at any rate, Evenepoel showed that he was hard at work preparing. Starting from Gooik, he completed a 148-kilometer ride at a brisk pace. Among other things, he set a KOM on a loop over the Kluisberg, a key climb in the Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne race.

And the title of his Strava ride? 07.10.17, with a red heart.

October 7 means a lot to Evenepoel. In 2017, he started dating his then-girlfriend Oumi, and exactly five years later, on that same date, they tied the knot. What makes it all even more special is that Oumi received her master’s degree a year ago on October 7. Evenepoel took a moment on Instagram to reflect on that special moment.

"A year ago, we celebrated one of the proudest moments of our lives," he says. "An achievement that came after many years of sacrifice and hard work. That's why I admire you so much—because it's never been easy to balance your studies with our personal life and, above all, our intense lifestyle! You’ve always put me and my career first, yet you still managed to earn this incredible college degree.”

"I can't find the words to express how proud I am of you. Not just as my wife and best friend, but also as the person you are in life to your friends and family. You are a true role model!"