INTERVIEW: SEP VANMARCKE
Good things come to those who wait. Or so Sep Vanmarcke has to keep telling himself. EF Pro Cycling’s Flandrian is consistent, reliable and for almost a decade now, has always been touted as a favourite for every spring classics campaign. This season will be no different. He has the credentials, he almost always has the form, but he just can’t seem to get a break.
The stats bear out his racing pedigree but they also reveal the numerous ‘what-might-havebeen’ moments. Second in Gent-Wevelgem in 2010, second in Paris-Roubaix in 2013, third in the Tour of Flanders in 2014 and 2016 and fourth that year in Paris-Roubaix. Those are just the highlights.
His is an epic hard luck story, crammed with disappointments. Of course, he’s a pro, he’s only 31, he’s got to keep believing in himself. But everyone’s got their breaking point.
Vanmarcke’s came in April last year after another near-miss in the Hell of the North. His third fourth place in Roubaix’s old velodrome was too much to take and his initial composure quickly crumbled into guttural sobbing. “I’ve been to hell and back,” he said as he dried his eyes. This year, for Sep’s sake, surely it has to be different…
ALL-IN FOR SPRING
The bar of a Novotel in Aix-en-Provence is an unlikely place to sit down with one
