Sep Vanmarck’s anguish was written across his face when Fabian Cancellara outsprinted the Belgian to win last year’s Paris-Roubaix.

Then in the colours of Blanco Pro Cycling, before Belkin took over the team’s sponsorship, Vanmarcke knew a huge opportunity had been missed and lesser riders would have since faded back into the background – but Vanmarcke’s strong start to the campaign show he has the talent to stand on the top step of the podium at a Monument in 2014.

Having finished fourth at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Vanmarcke’s Belkin team ensured the 25-year-old was well-placed going into the finale at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

And while Vanmarcke had to settle for third – sharing a podium with Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) and Belkin team-mate Moreno Hofland – it concluded a strong, consistent weekend for the 2012 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad winner.

While Boonen, Cancellara and Peter Sagan (Cannondale) are the focus of attention ahead of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, on this sort of form Vanmarcke is also likely to be a major contender.