Evenepoel has shocked the cycling media: "Unleashed", "what a cyclist", "already did the impossible" and "what's next?"

"Unleashed Remco Evenepoel achieves unique Olympic double victory," reads the headline for the Dutch De Telegraaf. "Impressive display of cycling by the Belgian." This is echoed by Algemeen Dagblad: "The feat he performed in Paris had never been seen before. For the first time in Olympic history, a male rider won both the time trial and the road race at the same Olympics."

In Belgium, they understandably ran out of words for their hero's achievement. "Phenomenal Remco Evenepoel also wins the Olympic road race after a magnificent performance," writes HLN. "Unprecedented. What a cyclist. And what a record, at just 24 years old. Hats off, Remco." Het Nieuwsblad was equally enthusiastic. "Cycling history!" they exclaim.

"No one like him," headlines La Gazzetta dello Sport. "The Belgian was the main character of a solitary finale in Paris that paid him the proper tribute for an achievement never before reached by anyone." Marca also found the right words for such an accomplishment. "At Montmartre, the artists' territory, artist Remco Evenepoel secured his second Olympic medal." L'Equipe speaks of an "unprecedented double". "Much stronger than the other 89 riders who had signed up, 'the little cannibal' demonstrated his growing appetite once again," they play on his nickname.

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In a column for the AD, Thijs Zonneveld emphasizes how special the double gold is for Evenepoel. He points to the eternal comparison with Eddy Merckx and the pressure of an entire nation that Evenepoel has carried on his shoulders since he became world champion in the juniors' category. "But it's as if he's aged ten years this season. He's so much calmer, more mature, and better too. In the Tour, he rode around at an absurdly high level for three weeks, without a single bad day. And during this edition of the Olympics, he's simply phenomenal. Physically and mentally. Twenty-four years old, with an entire career ahead, but he's already done the impossible. Fulfilling all those Belgian expectations."

Patrick Lefevere will likely agree with these words. The Soudal-Quick Step team boss has supported Evenepoel for years, and his achievements just keep piling up. "I saw him take off. Then, I already knew: 'Ciao.' If you saw him in the time trial, it was already impressive. They would have to go really hard to catch him," PatLef analyzes for HLN. "If someone did this at 34, you’d say: you can retire. But he's only 24. What's next? He will probably peak again in Zurich. I’ve heard that should suit him," the Belgian says, referring to the World Championships later this season.