"After my good result in Gent-Wevelgem it was not possible to sleep well" - Sep Vanmarcke cautious over Tour of Flanders chances

34-year-old Sep Vanmarcke has displayed some good racing legs so far in 2023 but as the Tour of Flanders approaches, the Israel - Premier Tech rider keen to play down his chances of a third career podium at the race.

“I am tired now. I had trouble sleeping for several nights. The past races were intensive and after my good result in Gent-Wevelgem it was not possible to sleep well," Vanmarcke tells WielerFlits. Indeed a third placed finish at Gent Wevelgem, alongside top 10 finishes at Nokere Koerse and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad show the good form that the Belgian has.

With such a busy schedule, Vanmarcke believes he avoids the peaks and trophs seen in the form of other riders, instead maintaining a steady level throughout the Classics. “Peaking is not possible," he declares. "I race too much for that. But this Sunday and the week after, when we ride Paris-Roubaix, are the most important races for me. It remains something special, those two races.”

"In today's cycling there is not much anticipation anymore. The big teams are very strong and destroy everything very early. That is why anticipation, as we know from the past, is no longer an option,” Vanmarcke explains. "There are a number of men who now ride faster than me. I hope to be good and participate.”