Remco Evenpoel and Quick-Step Alfa Vinal did not hide their joy with cheers, chants and victory hugs in Madrid on Sunday evening as the Belgians safely brought home a landmark victory in the Vuelta a España.

Evenepoel, who finished 40th in an uneventful final stage that climaxed with a group sprint won by Juan Sebastian Morano (UAE Team Emirates), hugged his five teammates in the center of the Paseo de la Castellana as soon as they crossed the line

It was a very warm day.

All over Madrid's wide boulevards on a very warm Sunday evening, riders exchanged fists and high-fives as they celebrated the end of the 2022 Vuelta a España. But dozens of Belgian fans waved flags from nearby pavements and cheered Evenpoel to rooftops.

One of the more famous spectators who mingled with Soinier and management at the finish line on Sunday was Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid soccer team.

Evenpoel then took his place on the podium, received the last red jersey of the race, and removed his hat to the sound of the Belgian national anthem echoing through the Spanish capital.

"Now I can really enjoy it," Evenpoel told Spanish television after the stage.

"It was a technical course and I got more nervous with each lap. I got more nervous with each lap. But I survived and I'm happy to be here now."

"I'm happy to be here.

Evenpoel, the first Grand Tour winner for cycling powerhouse Belgium since 1978, said his victory was "history for the team, the country, and myself, and I can be proud of what we have achieved in these three weeks."

In his victory speech, Evenpoel also thanked his teammates again and told his two rivals on the final podium, Enric Mas (Movistar) and Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), that they had a good race.

Before ending his speech, Evenepoel finally suggested that he might return to the Vuelta in 2023. What is certain, however, is that he will board a plane to Australia on Monday for his next challenge, the World Championships.