Last Friday LottoNL-Jumbo was presented to the press. The former Belkin team has lost important riders like Bauke Mollema and Lars Boom but they have retained their strong Belgian Sep Vanmarcke.

"Team LottoNL Jumbo feels very familiy," Sep Vanmarcke told Sporza about his "new" team. "Some important riders have left and we have new sponsors, but the core of the team has not changed."

Vanmarcke left no doubt about his hunger for success. "I am now eager to start the season. In recent years I have been close to a big victory. Especially last year when I was in the mix everywhere. But this year I really want to take the final step.

"Last year I felt that I was with the best riders, but then I could not make the difference and was beaten in the sprint. This year I want to make that difference.

"The confidence is already good. The tests also show that I am doing well. It was even better than last year. Hopefully the results will be, too. I look forward."

Vanmarcke is obviously aiming for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. "I want to win both of them. What if I have to choose between the two this year? That does not matter to me."

To get the jackpot in the cobbled classics, Vanmarcke will again have to deal with Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen. However, both are now one year older.

"It would not make sense that they would be even better. Normally they should maintain their level. I hope I can improve and close the gap. I do not have the talent of Boonen and Cancellara. I will not get their palmares. But I want to win classics."

Besides the cobbled classics Vanmarcke has another two goals. "The cobbles stage in the Tour de France is again very important. If you get such a chance, you have to take it . And then there's the World Championships in Richmond. This course should suit me."