Remco Evenepoel closed the curtain on his Soudal–QuickStep chapter in the only way 2025 seemed to allow — with another second place behind Tadej Pogačar.

As the cameras clicked and teammates came to say goodbye, there were hugs — but not tears. No drama. Just a quiet transition.

“The last seven years is something I will take with me for the rest of my life,” he said.

“But I think now it’s time to start something new."

The Belgian will join Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe in 2026, a blockbuster move that ends years of speculation and transfers him to one of cycling’s new super teams. His decision to leave early forced QuickStep into a rebuild — but for Evenepoel, the timing felt right.

'I Gave It My All'

At Il Lombardia on Saturday, the 25-year-old Belgian once again gave it everything, chasing in vain after Pogačar’s explosive attack on the Passo di Ganda. It marked his third consecutive runner-up finish behind the Slovenian star, following silver medals at both the World Championships in Rwanda and the European Championships in France.

"I gave it my all, the same guy was better again," Evenepoel admitted at the finish. “I can be proud of how I’ve finished the season.”

Despite the frustration, there was no bitterness in his words. Just realism. And maybe even a sense of relief.

Il Lombardia was more than just the final race of the year — it was the end of a seven-year journey with the team that discovered and shaped him. From prodigy to Grand Tour winner to global star, Evenepoel grew up at Soudal–QuickStep.

Now, he’s moving on.

“I’m very happy and proud to have been the leader in this team, to have taken a lot of victories for this team,” he said, reflecting on the final page of his QuickStep story. “I wanted to give myself one more time at the maximum, and I think I did that again. I’ll always be the guy who keeps fighting till the end.”