Sep Vanmarcke finished fourth in the 114th edition of Paris-Roubaix today in France. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Belgian front man fought in the first group already early in the race, attacked at Carrefour de l’Arbre, but got caught and was beaten by three riders in the velodrome. Matthew Hayman (Orica - GreenEDGE) won the race.

“It was a special race today,” Sep Vanmarcke said. “It was a big fight from the beginning. We were in front with a small group of riders already early in the race. That was a perfect scenario for me. The team did a great job, as well. We were in front with six men at one point. I had a puncture one time and Tom Van Asbroeck brought me back. Not everyone was working in the first group, though, but we had to keep riding so the group with Sagan (Tinkoff) wasn’t able to come back. 

"I chose Carrefour de l’Arbre to try afterwards. I had a gap, but maybe I’m experienced enough to give something extra and hold it. I have the feeling that I was the best on the cobbles, but it wasn’t good enough. Our team took the initiative and we deserved a top three result.”

Hell

Vanmarcke’s team-mate Maarten Tjallingii had a special Paris-Roubaix, as well. He rode the race for the last time. “It was a hell today and I like that,” the team’s captain said. “I will remember this race for the rest of my life. It was a classic Paris-Roubaix with a surprising winner and an unexpected race story. The situation changed all the time. I have been busy with the race, but now, I realise that it was my last. My kids were there to support me. That was great. I’m finished now for the spring classics.”

Not satisfying

Sports Director Nico Verhoeven had mixed feelings about the Hell of the North. “We had a big chance at victory, but what should have happened, didn’t happen,” he said. “The best scenario would have been if Sep broke away with someone else. The four riders he left on the Carrefour de l’Arbre weren’t strong enough to follow him, but were good enough to keep the gap small. The fourth place isn't a satisfying one in the end. It’s a poor reward for the team’s performance in the cobble stone classics.”