A few minutes after thatUAE Team Emirates announced the escort of Tadej Pogacar for the 118th edition of Tour of Lombardythe team Soudal Quick-Step did the same for one of the Slovenian’s main opponents this Saturday, Remco Evenepoel. Not necessarily to its advantage in Italy since the end of Worldswith an abandonment on the Tour d’Emilie and an anecdotal 53rd place on the Bernocchi Cup, the Belgian hopes to conclude this 2024 season in the best possible way on the Classic of Dead Leaves. A Monument which has not really smiled on him in the past, with his serious fall for his first participation in 2020 and a 9th place as best result in 2023.
Video – Remco Evenepoel remains on withdrawal from the Tour d’Émilie
David Bramati: “We’re not starting as big favourites, but…”
If victory seems utopian as the world champion and three-time title holder seems invincible and at the top of his art at the end of the year, the leader of the Wolfpack is a very serious candidate for the podium if weather conditions permit. For this he will be surrounded by a solid team with Mattia Cattaneothe winner of Little Lombardy from last year William Junior Lecerf, Fausto Masnada – 2nd in the event in 2021 – Pieter Serry, Ilan Van Wilder et Mauri Vansevenant. Five Belgians, two Italians… and no French, Julian Alaphilippe logically not being part of the selection following its fall to Worlds from Zurich and his shoulder injury. The 32-year-old Frenchman will therefore not wear the jersey one last time. Soudal Quick-Stepwhich he will leave after 11 seasons. A page is definitely turning.
“It goes without saying that on Saturday we will tackle one of the most difficult races of the season. The course’s eight climbs will gradually reduce the peloton, and the presence of Sormano – the longest climb of the day – in the last 60 kilometers is sure to brighten up the race. We’re not starting out as heavy favourites, but we’re determined to have a good run, show Wolfpack spirit and get a strong result as we end our European season.”declared the sports director of Soudal Quick-Step, David Bramati.
