{"id":265868,"date":"2026-10-04T20:46:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T20:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/04\/in-one-moment-i-was-really-believing-it-disappointed-giulio-ciccone-reflects-on-agonising-second-place-at-european-championships\/"},"modified":"2026-10-04T20:46:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T20:46:15","slug":"in-one-moment-i-was-really-believing-it-disappointed-giulio-ciccone-reflects-on-agonising-second-place-at-european-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/04\/in-one-moment-i-was-really-believing-it-disappointed-giulio-ciccone-reflects-on-agonising-second-place-at-european-championships\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018In one moment I was really believing it\u2019 &#8211; disappointed Giulio Ciccone reflects on agonising second place at European Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p id=\"elk-a4e82aba-c034-11f1-bc14-19bd61840e91\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/giulio-ciccone\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/giulio-ciccone\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/giulio-ciccone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Giulio Ciccone<\/a> raced a near-perfect race at the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/uec-road-european-championships\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/uec-road-european-championships\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/uec-road-european-championships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UEC European Road Championships<\/a> on Sunday, not only being the only rider able to follow <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/remco-evenepoel\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/remco-evenepoel\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/riders\/remco-evenepoel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Remco Evenepoel<\/a>\u2019s attacks but also able to capitalise on the fact that his teammate was chasing. He stayed with the Belgian all the way to the finish, setting up a two-up sprint for the title.<\/p>\n<p>For a moment, it looked as though the 31-year-old Italian had timed it perfectly. He emerged from the final corner in the best position, but the photo finish showed <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uec-european-championships-remco-evenepoel-snatches-photo-finish-victory-in-the-elite-mens-race-after-two-man-sprint\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uec-european-championships-remco-evenepoel-snatches-photo-finish-victory-in-the-elite-mens-race-after-two-man-sprint\/\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uec-european-championships-remco-evenepoel-snatches-photo-finish-victory-in-the-elite-mens-race-after-two-man-sprint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Evenepoel edging ahead by mere millimetres at the line<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"\/>\n<p id=\"elk-a4e82aba-c034-11f1-bc14-19bd61840e91-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unsure who had won, the pair waited past the finish line until the result was announced. Ciccone bowed his head while Evenepoel, nearby, let out a joyful scream.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel=\"\" data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\\\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\\\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header=\"\">\n<p><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-mobile\"\/><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He could not hide his disappointment on the podium and while talking to the media afterwards.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI feel really really disappointed. But first I want to say congrats to Remco, super strong ride,\u201d Ciccone told <em>Cycling Pro Net<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was almost perfect.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Letting the Belgian squad control the front of the pack, Ciccone waited, and then covered Evenepoel\u2019s first attack on the Mo\u017ejanca climb with 36 kilometres to go. When the Belgian overcooked a corner and slid out, Ciccone eased off and waited for the peloton.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-HfjVoRNroJP94zNXyb7cMX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-HfjVoRNroJP94zNXyb7cMX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\"\/>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But he was ready for the next attack, coming only four kilometres later. The pair pulled away from the pack, gaining time, and then Ciccone refused to work when he found out that his teammate was chasing behind with 14 kilometres to go.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI also was lucky with the situation in the race with [Christian] Scaroni alone behind us. So I also played on the situation to stay on the wheel. I understand that for him was not a nice situation in the front, but this is the race situation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Racing a total of five times around the circuit, Ciccone had time to plan his approach the final corner before the finish line.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet=\"\" class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"&#10;            flex&#10;            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]&#10;            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold&#10;        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI was thinking in my head how to do it, and I was in the last few kilometres. I was just thinking about this corner, and I was thinking to take the first position, but then he understood my plan, and he made the acceleration just before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Evenepoel took a wide line through the final corner, leaving the inside open for Ciccone, who immediately accelerated and briefly opened up a few metres.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThen my plan was just go full after the corner. In one moment I was really believing it. But then, yeah, this is the race, and it&#8217;s like this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was the ninth podium finish this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI think it&#8217;s one of the hardest years of my career. I don&#8217;t know how many times I&#8217;ve finished second or on the podium. Eight, nine, or I don&#8217;t know how many times.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cToday I think was really close, but then another time second. So now for the last two races, I just want to you know, race without pressure and let&#8217;s see what just to enjoy the bike.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone will line up at Il Lombardia, the fifth and final monument of the year next weekend.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more see-more--clipped kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-2106768605421723956\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet hawk-ignore\" data-lang=\"en\" cite=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2106768605421723956\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">HOW CLOSE?! \ud83d\ude31\ud83d\udcf8<br \/>\nRemco Evenepoel \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea vs Giulio Ciccone \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<br \/>\n#EuroRoad26 https:\/\/t.co\/1dkBdn6jhA<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2106768605421723956\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cantworkitout\/status\/2106768605421723956\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" rel=\"noopener\">October 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a4e82bdc-c034-11f1-a9b6-af1445a18165\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/subscription-paid\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=WORLDS26\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/subscription-paid\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=WORLDS26\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/subscription-paid\/?utm_source=Referral+link&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=WORLDS26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/in-one-moment-i-was-really-believing-it-disappointed-giulio-ciccone-reflects-on-agonising-second-place-at-european-championships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Giulio Ciccone raced a near-perfect race at the UEC European Road Championships on Sunday, not only being the only rider able to follow Remco Evenepoel\u2019s attacks but also able to capitalise on the fact that his teammate was chasing. He stayed with the Belgian all the way to the finish, setting up a two-up sprint [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":265869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-265868","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265868\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/265869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=265868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=265868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}