Vanmarcke steps back from cycling and quits as team leader: "Spend more time with family"

He announced this on the website of the Israeli team. "The past one and a half years have been a roller coaster," he says. "I jumped from being a pro rider to a sports director after I was diagnosed with heart problems and having to stop in this way had always been something difficult to accept. I tried to be the best DS I could be but, in my head, I need space so I feel the need to slow down for a while, spend some time with my family and find new goals in life."

"I have therefore made the difficult decision to leave my current position at Israel-Premier Tech. I am very thankful for the chances the team gave me, and even more, I appreciate the understanding they have with my current situation and decision. I will always support the team and wish everyone the best for the 2025 season. Cycling will always be a big part of my life so I look forward to cheering from the sidelines for now," Vanmarcke concludes.

General manager Kjell Karlström regrets the departure of his protégé but fully supports the decision. "Sep was a great rider and a brilliant sports director so we are sad to see him go but we have the utmost of respect for his decision, knowing that it takes a lot of courage to step away from the world that has been his life for the last decades. I can say with certainty that the door will always be open for Sep to return to IPT as a sports director should he decide this is the right move for him. We wish Sep all the best with his future endeavours and have no doubt that Sep will remain close with his IPT family."

The departure is painful for the Israeli team, but they can continue building on a strong roster. The 30-man team has been officially announced for the upcoming season. They will welcome four new riders: Jan Hirt and Alexey Lutsenko will strengthen the climbing team, while Frenchman Mathis Louvel will be valuable in the sprint train and the classics. Canadian Pier-André Côté joins from the development team, having already made several appearances for the squad in 2024 and proving his worth in short stage races and classics. With contract renewals for Jakob Fuglsang, Marco Frigo and Corbin Strong, Israel-Premier Tech can continue building after a very strong season.