"Of course it's possible to beat Pogacar"; Evenepoel doesn't mince words ahead of his farewell race and explains why

“I feel that I have been riding at a high level in recent weeks,” HLN reported at the press conference. “Compared to Tadej, that's hard to say. Of course, he was really great when he won both championships. But I am very satisfied with my own level. Tomorrow I will do my best to get as close to the win as possible.”

A victory in the Tour of Lombardy would bring things full circle after his serious crash in 2020. “I don't really think about that anymore. It doesn't affect me much; it was five years ago. Above all, it will be my last race for the team, and that motivates me to give it my all once again.”

Because when Evenepoel crosses the finish line in Bergamo on Saturday afternoon, it will also mark the end of his seven-year adventure with the Quick-Step team. “I want to give the team one last gift. It would be fantastic to end my time here on such a high note. I have many fond memories, and I am very grateful for all the years I have spent here.”

A speech? “I haven't prepared one for my farewell,” says the Belgian himself. “I will have to thank everyone, but of course, not everyone from the team is here. I will probably send a message in the group chat. We'll see how everything goes tomorrow.”

Evenepoel has had many highlights with his current team. “Winning the Vuelta in 2022 is my fondest memory. It was somewhat unexpected and the team's first overall victory in a Grand Tour. We dreamed of it, but our initial goal was to finish in the top five. To then win with only five riders in the team in Madrid is very special.”

Okay, so first, all eyes are on Saturday, when the top favorite Pogacar will have to be beaten. “Of course it's possible to beat Pogacar tomorrow,” Evenepoel says firmly. “Otherwise, I wouldn't be here. It's a tough race, but there's also a long, flat section in the final. We'll see how it turns out.”

“I still feel very good,” the Belgian continues. In any case, a battle plan is already in place. “It will be important not to lose too much energy in the beginning. But then again, it's no secret that the UAE team is flying again.”

Still, Pogacar's predictability may be the Slovenian's downfall. “In previous editions of this Como-Bergamo route, he has always attacked on the final climb, Passo di Ganda. In recent weeks, he has already shown that it is difficult to follow him when he attacks. So we can estimate where he will attack, but it will also depend on how the race develops before that.”

Many are already drawing comparisons between Pogacar's incredible performances and Merckx. Does Evenepoel agree? "Merckx also used to win his time trials," jokes the Belgian. "That's not a criticism of Tadej, to be clear. He's a special rider and the boxes he's ticking are simply impressive."

“He is the best rider of the last few decades and the only one who comes close to what Merckx once did,” Evenepoel continues praisefully. Yet it also brings out something in the rider who is leaving for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. “It motivates me to reach that level too, but of course that's not easy.”