"Now I’m not even allowed to do any sports anymore" - Sep Vanmarcke reveals even more heart complications were discovered

Sep Vanmarcke was forced to retire from cycling in July of last year, having discovered heart problems that could lead to serious issues. As means of prevention he stopped high-level sport and became a DS for Israel - Premier Tech... But after he dropped out of the role recently, he show shares that it was partly due to the discovery of new complications.

“I am not allowed to do anything sport-related for the time being, perhaps even permanently. That is very difficult,” Vanmarcke admits in Het Nieuwsblad. “They noticed atrial fibrillation there. After heart rhythm disorders and scar tissue, that was the third problem they discovered with my heart.”

The Belgian explains that it was during a surgery for a former issue that a new one was found. “I had to undergo surgery for that two weeks ago and during that procedure they discovered other problems, that is why further tests are still ongoing. Even before those new health problems, I was already doubting whether to stop as DS, but it was a trigger to make the decision.”

Vanmarcke, now 36, was one of the most prominent classics riders in his peak, having to battle the likes of Peter Sagan and Greg van Avermaet but still having in his palmarès races such as Omloop Het Nieuwslad and Bretagne Classic. He finished twice on the podium of the Tour of Flanders and once on the podium of Paris-Roubaix. But he did not adapt fully to the new role in the cycling world.

“I noticed throughout the year: I don’t have time to recharge my batteries. That’s why it’s good that I’m taking a step back now," he explains. "Now I can start thinking about what I want to do. And maybe I’ll end up back on the same path and do it with full enthusiasm". 

However, at least for the time being, he is not allowed to do sports. “Maybe even permanently. That’s very difficult. First I was a top athlete, then I wasn’t allowed to race anymore and now I’m not even allowed to do any sports anymore. For the time being, I’m dealing with it well".

"Although I’m now a bit ‘on hold’ because I’m waiting for further tests. Mentally it's not easy to deal with, but when I was told there were new problems and that I couldn't play sports anymore, I thought I would be even worse mentally.”