Remco Evenepoel, the 22-year-old world cycling champion and winner of the La Vuelta Spanish cycling race made his appearance on the balcony of the Brussels City Hall on Sunday afternoon to cheers and ovation from a packed audience of cycling fans and press.
The cyclist, originally from Dilbeek in Flemish Brabant, was already honoured in his hometown this morning, where he was declared an honorary citizen. Appearing this afternoon above Brussels’ iconic Grand-Place, dressed in his freshly earned rainbow jersey, thousands of fans dressed in patriotic red greeted the returning champion.
Fans attend the celebration on the balcony of Brussels city hall on the Grand-Place - Grote Markt, with cycling world champion, Sunday 02 October 2022, part of the celebration of world champion Evenepoel, the 22 years old, from Schepdael, Dilbeek, became world champion after a great season with a win at the Vuelta, first Belgian in 44 years to win a big tour, the Vuelta.
Credit: BELGA PHOTO/ NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
Evenepoel presented himself in front of his supporters, initiating a symbolic applause which echoed around the square. He was accompanied on the famous balcony by several of his teammates, including Iljo Keisse, Yves Lampaert, and Pieter Serry.
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Several hundred cyclists accompanied Evenepoel on his journey from Flemish Brabant to the capital, while several hundred others awaited him on the Grand-Place. In Dilbeek, Evenepoel expressed his “countless thanks to everyone around me for the support and help they give me.”
The Belgian rider is the fourth rider in history to have won a Monument, a Grand Tour, and the World Championship during the same year.
