Remco Evenepoel could have easily called it a season after his incredible 2024 campaign, which saw him win double Olympic gold, defend his world time trial title, and finish on the Tour de France podium. But the 24-year-old Belgian isn’t done yet. He’s heading to Il Lombardia on Saturday, determined to challenge the seemingly unstoppable Tadej Pogacar, in what promises to be a thrilling end to the season.

Evenepoel’s decision to compete wasn’t taken lightly. “He could have just stayed at home after the Worlds given everything that he's won this year, but he's got a lot of determination and he wants to give it a go,” Soudal-Quick Step team manager Davide Bramati told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Evenepoel will return to the scene of his horrific crash from four years ago, where he fractured his pelvis after falling nine meters off the Muro di Sormano. His journey from that low point to becoming one of the sport’s top riders adds even more intrigue to this year's "Race of the Falling Leaves."

Bramati added,  "He looks good and very motivated."

Tadej Pogacar Chasing History

On the other side of the rivalry, Tadej Pogacar is aiming to cap an already historic year by matching Fausto Coppi’s record of four consecutive wins at Il Lombardia. The 26-year-old World Champion has been unbeatable in the Italian Monument, taking solo victories in each of the past three editions. He arrives at Saturday’s 252-kilometer race with sky-high confidence after winning the Giro dell’Emilia last weekend.

“It’s been the perfect season for us this year. All the team worked really hard and things really clicked for us,” Pogacar said. 

“I’ll definitely look back on this year as a really special time. But it’s not over yet and we want to finish it off well and with a strong result in my last race of the season in Lombardia.”

Having already won the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and the World Championships in 2024, Pogacar is on the brink of completing one of the greatest seasons in cycling history. A fourth victory in Il Lombardia would place him alongside Coppi in the history books and one step closer to Eddy Merckx’s legendary record of five wins.

The Challenge Ahead

The “Race of the Falling Leaves” is anything but predictable. The 252 kilometers from Bergamo to Como include 4,800 meters of climbing, and the competition will be fierce. Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates squad features strong support, including former podium finishers Adam Yates and Rafal Majka. Meanwhile, Evenepoel’s form remains a question mark, having dropped out of the Giro dell’Emilia with an eye issue and finishing outside the top spots at the Coppa Bernocchi earlier this week.

While Pogacar enters as the clear favorite, Evenepoel’s determination and aggressive racing style make him a serious threat. The question is whether he can summon the form needed to challenge the reigning World Champion and prevent Pogacar from wrapping up his season with yet another victory.

One thing is certain: Saturday’s showdown will be a battle of champions, and cycling fans won’t want to miss it.