Sep Vanmarcke and Niki Terpstra have been working together as team leaders within Soudal Quick-Step since this season. However, their past in the peloton was anything but peaceful.
Past in the race
Both former riders faced each other in finals for years. “I’m not going to be silly about that: Niki and I had an argument during the race,” says Vanmarcke. He refers to situations in which he had to compete without teammates and therefore had to take aggressive positions.
That approach did not always win him friends. “I know I could have been a bastard who made few friends at the front of the race.” The mutual duels were fierce and often on the edge.
Top sports mentality
Terpstra looks back on that period differently. “Well, that wasn’t too bad. But that’s top sport, right?” For him it was about winning, not popularity. He emphasizes that only one rider will be the first to climb the Paterberg.
His view on racing situations was clear. “In any case, my starting point was: anyone who does not ride for our team is an enemy.” That attitude determined his way of racing and his expectations of teammates.
Today both men share the same goals within the team. “There was a struggle then, now Niki and I are going for the same goals.” The former rivalry makes way for a professional collaboration. The team management expects that their experience from the peloton will provide added value.
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The confrontation from their professional past must make way for efficient guidance. “I am sure that we will now work well together.” The focus is on supporting the riders and making optimal use of their collective expertise.
