Sep Vanmarcke will take up a new role as sports director at Soudal Quick-Step, as the Belgian team looks to reset following the departure of Remco Evenepoel. The 37-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience both as a rider and from the team car, having previously worked in management with Israel-Premier Tech.
Jürgen Foré, the new CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, has already overseen significant changes in the squad. Reinforcements for the Classics include Dylan van Baarle, Jasper Stuyven, Edward Planckaert and Fabio Van Den Bossche, while Steff Cras has been signed to bolster the climbing unit and Alberto Dainese adds sprinting strength. Bringing in Vanmarcke, alongside fellow former Quick-Step rider Niki Terpstra, adds tactical expertise and credibility to the team’s support staff.
Vanmarcke enjoyed a 14-season career at the highest level, consistently one of the most reliable figures in the cobbled Classics. His palmarès include victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, second place in Paris-Roubaix, two third places at the Tour of Flanders, and three podium finishes at Gent-Wevelgem. Forced into retirement in 2023 due to heart issues, he transitioned swiftly into management with Israel-Premier Tech before moving into commentary and analysis roles in 2024.
Kjell Karlström, general manager of Israel-Premier Tech, previously praised Vanmarcke’s impact in the car and made clear the door remained open for his return. Soudal Quick-Step’s approach, however, proved decisive, bringing him into a structure that was long considered the benchmark in the spring Classics.
The move comes as part of a broader reshuffle at Soudal Quick-Step, with Evenepoel and his long-time directeur sportif Klaas Lodewijck heading to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Vanmarcke’s arrival, confirmed to Belgian media though set to be made official after the weekend, strengthens the team’s drive to reinvent itself in the post-Evenepoel era and continue its tradition of success across both the Classics and Grand Tours.
