Roger De Vlaeminck is still the last Belgian who achieved that trick, in 1977.
A Legacy: The Belgians Who Conquered the Five-Monument Sweep
Remco Evenepoel, fresh from a European road race title, now stands at the edge of history. The “Strive for Five”—the hunt for the five monuments—awaits him. His target: the five iconic one-day classics: Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Tour of Flanders, and the Giro di Lombardia. The last Belgian to achieve it was Roger De Vlaeminck, in 1977.
Philippe Gilbert had everything to bring the ‘Strive for Five’ to a successful end, but struggled at Milan-San Remo. Evenepoel, who has won Liège-Bastogne-Liège twice, now faces a rare opportunity. Tadej Pogacar’s absence from the 2026 Giro di Lombardia—due to a Vuelta crash—shifts the balance. “Het wordt een open wedstrijd tegenover de vorige jaren,” says Evenepoel.
Evenepoel could complete the five monuments with a win at the 2026 Giro di Lombardia, which he is targeting for 9 October 2026. Pogacar’s absence also removes a dominant force, as Evenepoel has finished second in the last two Giro di Lombardia editions, but with a “comfortable” lead over other competitors.
The Pogacar Gap: A Window for Evenepoel?
Yet the Slovenian’s 2026 exit, combined with Evenepoel’s second-place finishes in the past two years, has positioned the Belgian as a top contender. Wider tires, like the 32mm models used in 2026, have eased cobbled classics like Paris-Roubaix, benefiting lighter riders. “Dat nadeel wordt nu gecompenseerd door de bredere banden,” Livyns notes. “Dat maakt een gigantisch verschil.”
Evenepoel’s rivals, including Isaac Del Toro and Paul Seixas, have little experience in monuments. Lennert Van Eetvelt, a rider for Lotto-Intermarché, says that when Pogacar rode, his team would pinch everyone to death before he attacked himself, but that this might now be different, which could be a great chance for more riders. Evenepoel’s sprinting prowess remains vital. Yet Paris-Roubaix looms as a difficult assignment.
Evenepoel’s team, Ineos, uses 35mm tires, while he rides 32mm. This shift in tire technology has reduced physical strain on cobbles, aiding lighter riders.
Rivals and Risks: Who Stands in Evenepoel’s Way?
Belgian coach Serge Pauwels emphasizes Evenepoel’s mental resilience. Pauwels mentions that Evenepoel has brought many titles and continues to string them together. Evenepoel’s versatility sets him apart. His focus on the Giro di Lombardia in 2026 aligns with his broader goal: winning the remaining four monuments.
Pauwels believes Evenepoel can play his role on any course.
Lennert Van Eetvelt, who is leaving Lotto-Intermarché for NSN, expressed confidence in Evenepoel’s chances. “When Pogacar was here, his team would pinch everyone before he attacked,” Van Eetvelt said. “That might change now, creating opportunities for more riders.” Van Eetvelt also noted his own mixed history at the Giro di Lombardia, where he finished seventh two years ago after crashing on the final climb.
Evenepoel himself has ruled out competing in Milan-San Remo this season, citing the difficulty of the race. “Sanremo must lie,” he said, adding that he prefers to focus on the “gunstiger” opportunities in other monuments. His decision to skip Sanremo aligns with his strategy to prioritize the Giro di Lombardia and other cobbled classics.
A Coach’s Confidence: Pauwels on Evenepoel’s Mental Resilience
Evenepoel’s path is not without obstacles. Paris-Roubaix remains a challenge. But Pauwels sees potential, noting that Evenepoel can give resistance to the best Pogacar, and when the latter is not there, can always go for the final win in grand tours.
The 2026 Giro di Lombardia, once Pogacar’s domain, now beckons. Evenepoel’s bid for the “Strive for Five” will test not just his legs, but his will. As the cycling world watches, one question lingers: Can he rewrite history?
Why Is the Strive for Five Significant in Cycling History?
Why is the “Strive for Five” significant in cycling history?
It is the hunt for the five monuments, with Roger De Vlaeminck’s 1977 feat remaining the last time a Belgian achieved it.
How have equipment changes impacted the cobbled classics?
Wider tires, such as 32mm models used in 2026, have reduced the physical strain on the cobbles, making it more accessible for lighter riders like Evenepoel, as noted by Arjen Livyns of XDS Astana.
What role does Tadej Pogacar’s absence play in Evenepoel’s chances?
Pogacar’s 2026 absence from the Giro di Lombardia removes a dominant force, creating a unique opportunity for Evenepoel to put this monument on his palmares for the first time.
How has Evenepoel adapted to new racing conditions?
His team, Ineos, uses 35mm tires, reflecting broader industry trends.
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