With an irritated eye, Evenepoel withdraws in Emilia: "Focused on being my best in Lombardy"

Remco Evenepoel came to Emilia with the intention of winning. After finishing fifth at the Road World Championships in Zurich, the Belgian was determined to put pressure on world champion Tadej Pogačar. However, it didn't work out: with two laps to go, Evenepoel decided to call it a day.

In the soaked Bologna, Evenepoel made his move. On the first ascent of the famous San Luca climb, the Soudal Quick-Step rider increased the pace, quickly thinning out the peloton to a group of about fifteen favorites. However, Pogačar seemed to ride comfortably in his wheel. Moments later, this was confirmed: the Slovenian attacked and immediately dropped everyone. Evenepoel couldn’t keep up and was forced to chase. The world champion rapidly extended his lead. Seeing his chances for victory vanish, the Belgian decided to withdraw: with about twenty kilometers to go, he called it a day. The rain may have played a role.

Evenepoel provides reason for his withdrawal: splashing water was the culprit

After the race, Het Laatste Nieuws recorded the reason for Evenepoel's exit. The time trial world champion had issues with his eye. Splashing water was to blame, as some dirt got into his eye, which he couldn’t remove right away. His vision was impaired, so the Belgian decided to stop at the top of the San Luca climb. The withdrawal was also a precautionary measure. With victory already seeming impossible, he didn't want to push himself. "I’m just making the best of it; there’s nothing more I can do," he said. "The goal is to perform well at Coppa Bernocchi and Tre Valli Varesine on Monday and Tuesday to be at my best in Lombardy. If everything goes normally, I should be able to do that."

Pogačar's attack ultimately proved decisive: the Slovenian world champion crossed the line with more than two minutes' lead. Behind him, Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers) finished in second place, followed by the very young Davide Piganzoli (Polti Kometa).