Remco Evenepoel headlines our seven-man squad for one of the most prestigious events of the year.
The season’s final Monument, and the last European World Tour race of the season, Il Lombardia returns to Como for the start of the 119th edition. The 238km route takes in seven climbs – Madonna del Ghisallo, Roncola, Berbenno, Passo della Crocetta, Zambla Alta, Passo di Ganda, and Colle Aperto – before the finish in Bergamo. The ascents will make for a total of 4400 meters of climbing, a relentless course that is sure to make a selection long before the final hill of the race.
Winner of four medals in as many races at the World and European Championships in the last couple of weeks, Remco Evenepoel will lead Soudal Quick-Step at Il Lombardia, where he is set to make his eighth Monument appearance. Runner-up at the previous edition after an impressive ride, the 25-year-old Belgian looks forward to Saturday’s appointment in northern Italy.
“Lombardia is a beautiful race which brings a lot of memories from the previous participations. At the same time, it’s a hard race, where you have to be really strong in order to be in contention for a nice result, and I feel that I come here with both a good form and a solid team around me, and this makes me confident in my chances”, Remco said.
Joining Evenepoel on the Soudal Quick-Step roster will be Mattia Cattaneo, Gianmarco Garofoli, Mikel Landa – who finished third at the 2022 edition – former Piccolo Lombardia winner Junior Lecerf, Pieter Serry, and Louis Vervaeke.
“We have one last big race for this season, and we are keen on showing the Wolfpack spirit and the determination that have brought us so many great victories this season. Remco is motivated to end his season on a high note and we are motivated to give him the best support in order to get a good result in this prestigious race”, explained sports director Davide Bramati.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
