Cadel Evans finished his European career yesterday with a respectable 25th place at Il Lombardia. During the race, Evans was able to do some important work for his teammate Philippe Gilbert.

“I gave my last effort to put Gilbert at the front for the last climb in Bergamo”, the Australian told Cyclingnews.com after the race. “Once I got focused on the race, I wasn’t that emotional.”

Evans also reflected on his career. “I leave the sport satisfied. I have had enough and given my all. I can’t add much to more to my palmares. So I have to be satisfied with that. I have had some good results in the last 20 years, so I am not going to complain.”

The 37-year old rider admitted that his first thoughts of retiring came last year. He made the final decision in the summer after not riding the Tour de France and announced his decision just before the World Championships in Ponferrada.

“It’s been a fantastic journey”, Evans continued. “I wasn’t very good at the Vuelta, but I feel I’m coming round well. I’ll be fit during my off season”, Evans jokingly said.

Evans’ final races will be in Australia early next year. He will be riding the Australian National Championships, the Tour Down Under and will finish his career at his own race, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Race in February 1, 2015.

“That’s when I’ll probably be really emotional”, Evans concluded.