After 58 race days, the end of Remco Evenepoel's season is in sight. The Belgian from Soudal Quick-Step is set to start in the Coppa Bernocchi, a race he won three years ago.
Before the one-day race, Evenepoel spoke with VTM Nieuws. He expects this year’s race to play out differently from the 2021 edition. “The finale is a bit different now. Three years ago, there was more climbing. This time, it’s mainly a local circuit, and the rest is pretty flat towards the finish. It will explode on the local lap, and then it’s about racing smart and picking the right moment.” In 2021, the Olympic champion claimed victory in the Coppa Bernocchi with a powerful solo effort, crossing the finish line nearly two minutes ahead after a 137-kilometer breakaway.
A long attack is also possible on Monday, but Soudal Quick-Step has more options to play with. “We can go for attacks, but we can also aim for a sprint with Raccagni. We’ll see how it plays out.” The young Italian, Andrea Raccagni Noviero, will officially become a professional with his Belgian team next season, just days after his emotional tribute to the late Muriel Furrer.
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Coppa Bernocchi as a warm-up for Lombardia
Win or not, the race around Legnano serves as a precursor to the Tour of Lombardy. Evenepoel doesn’t need to be in peak form yet. “But I can feel the batteries slowly running low. I’ll just do my best and see what I can still accomplish. If I don’t feel great in these lead-up races to Lombardy, I won’t go all out until the end. But the goal is to be in good shape for Saturday and aim for a solid result.” Last Saturday, Evenepoel withdrew from the Giro dell'Emilia after getting some dirt in his eye.
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