Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel etched his name into Olympic history on Saturday by becoming the first male cyclist to claim gold in both the road race and time trial at the same Olympic Games. This historic achievement unfolded against the spectacular backdrop of Paris, a city renowned for hosting the grand finale of the Tour de France, and it added a new, unforgettable chapter to the city’s rich cycling legacy.

The 24-year-old cyclist displayed relentless determination in the final stages of the race, particularly during the three climbs of Côte de la Butte Montmartre. His unyielding attacks left his competitors behind and secured his place in the annals of Olympic sport.

“Crossing the finish line, I realized I just became the double Olympic champion in one week, something I could only dream of,” Evenepoel told CNN. “As a small kid, just watching the Olympics every four years, watching Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, all the big names, seeing them receiving the medals was just crazy and now being there myself with two gold medals is really out of this world. I am just very proud and very happy.”

The race began at the Trocadéro with a record-low field of 90 competitors tackling the event’s longest-ever course, which showcased many of Paris’ historic landmarks. Enormous crowds lined the streets to cheer on the cyclists, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the peloton came alive in the closing stages.

Inside the final 40 kilometers (25 miles), Evenepoel broke away from a group that included top rivals like Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands. Catching up to and then overtaking a group of breakaway riders, Evenepoel turned the race into a personal time trial. His lead grew steadily, and with 15 kilometers (9 miles) remaining, he dropped France’s Valentin Madouas, the eventual silver medalist.

However, the race held one final twist. A rear tire puncture in front of the Louvre, less than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the finish, threatened his lead. Despite the setback and a brief panic as a mechanic rushed to provide a spare bike, Evenepoel managed to stay ahead and secure his victory.

“It was a pretty stressful moment because I was not too sure about the time gap. Just before that moment, they showed me a sign that said 25 seconds, which was incorrect of course,” Evenepoel said. “I just wanted a new bike as quickly as possible and to arrive at the finish line. Luckily, everything turned out positively because it would have been a pretty sad moment if it had taken away the victory.”

Crossing the finish line more than a minute ahead of his nearest rival, Evenepoel had time to savor his victory, celebrating with arms outstretched in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. This iconic image will undoubtedly become one of the defining moments of these Games.

“It’s probably the closest Olympics to my home that I will participate in, so to win both gold medals is pretty special and something I need to cherish for my whole life,” he said.

Born in Aalst, near Brussels, Evenepoel experienced what felt like a home victory, with Belgian flags dotting the entire route. This close proximity made his Olympic gold even more special.

“I think there were more Belgians on the road than French people,” Evenepoel said. “It was a madhouse out there and I think without all the support and the energy boost that it gave, the victory was not going to be possible. I am very happy and a big thank you to all the fans who came out for us.”

One of those fans, Gil de Vis, 37, shared his excitement: “We saw him passing by two times and he was really fast. I think we saw history. A double Olympic champion, it’s just incredible.”

Evenepoel’s triumph in Paris comes just weeks after his first podium finish in the Tour de France, adding another illustrious chapter to his burgeoning career. At just 24, he continues to cement his legacy as one of cycling’s most extraordinary talents, with many more victories likely to come.