Israel–Premier Tech's DS bets on Vanmarcke for Paris-Roubaix - "No three riders can imitate him, he glides so smoothly over those cobblestones"

Given its status as the third monument, Paris-Roubaix is bound to attract the crème de la crème of riders who seek to leave a lasting legacy. Sep Vanmarcke will be among them, and his sports director is unequivocal in his belief that even the most formidable competitors will struggle to outdo him on the cobblestone sections.

"He will again play a significant role,” his sports director Dirk Demol told Sporza. He continues, "About ten years ago, Johan Bruyneel and I looked in amazement at the young Vanmarcke, who was clattering over the cobblestones. No three riders can imitate him. He glides so smoothly over those cobblestones."

The Belgian rider stands to benefit from the almost 50 kilometres of cobbled sections present in the race. "It is the classic where he can score the best. He's ready. The competition is made for him."

He places great emphasis on the significance of this race to the team, to the extent that they have focused their preparations on it and disregarded the first two monuments, all in an effort to perform at their peak. "We believe in Vanmarcke for Roubaix The team is fully behind him and will make a fist. Together we have lived towards this moment. We specifically ignored Paris-Nice or Tirreno-Adriatico and opted for an extra stage - with longer training sessions - in preparation for Roubaix. He will again play a significant role,” concluded Demol.