Sepp Vanmarcke retired from professional cycling immediately after a heart scan revealed scar tissue in his heart that could lead to further complications.

The Belgian cyclist had an abnormally high heart rate detected while riding, and a subsequent MRI scan confirmed the presence of scar tissue. The Belgian was forced to abruptly end his career due to the risk of heart failure if he continued racing any longer.

Israel Premier Tech issued an official statement on Friday, in which Vanmarcke spoke directly to those who have supported him during his 14-year career.

"I wanted to spend a few more years racing at the highest level and achieve more great results in big races with IPT. It is very sad and painful to end my career in this way," Vanmarcke said. At the same time, I am thankful that my heart problem was discovered, because it would not have been possible without the help of IPT."

"Now I plan to take time to be with my family, accept this situation, and think about what I want to do in the future. My whole life has been dedicated to cycling. Cycling has always been my passion

Vanmarcke's career highlights include the 2019 Bretagne Classic, where he attacked in the last kilometer to take his first World Tour win, and the 2012 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, where he won the Classic's Legend Tom Boonen in the 2012 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and exploding his career with a sprint victory over the legendary Tom Boonen.

Nine wins in his 34-year-old career, however, do not indicate that he was a cobbled racer. He came close to winning two monuments, the Tour de Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

Vanmarcke finished in the top six in Roubaix five times and came closest to victory in 2013.

"When I first put on the number in 2003, I never dreamed I would have a professional career," he said. I ended up living that dream for 14 years, through peaks and valleys."

Including the Tour de Flanders, which every Belgian dreams of winning, but where crashes and punctures often doomed him.

Despite being modest about his abilities, Vanmarcke twice reached the podium at De Ronde, but was beaten by modern-day greats, Cancellara in 2014 and Peter Sagan in 2016.

"I was not a super talent, but through dedication I was able to compete with the best in big races for years. I got to know many people and cultures from all over the world, and I have been to places I had never even heard of before."

His last win in Israel Premier Tech was at the 2022 Maryland Cycling Classic, but this year in Ghent-Wevelgem, he finished on the podium behind the Jumbo-Visma duo of Wout Van Aert and Christophe Laporte They showed promising signs of becoming classics specialists.

General manager Kjell Carlström appreciated his value to the team and regretted his unfortunate retirement.

"In the three years that Sepp has raced for Israel Premier Tech, he has become an integral part of our family. Our top priority is Sepp's health and we are grateful that this complication has now been discovered." We will continue to support Sepp during this transition period as he decides what he wants to do next.

"We want to thank Sepp for all he has done for the team. We are so grateful for the passion and leadership skills he has shown during his time with us and it has been an absolute pleasure to have Sep racing in IPT colors."