EF Pro Cycling's Sepp Vanmarcke finished second to Fabian Cancellara in Paris-Roubaix in 2013. As the coronavirus outbreak continues, the Belgian rider is at home gardening with his family and training for the resumption of racing.

"On what should be the most hectic day of the year, I'm here quietly weeding," Vanmarcke told Het Newsblad from his home in Azegem, northwest Belgium.

Vanmarcke was in tears after finishing fourth in Paris-Roubaix last year for the third time in his career when his gear jammed in the final sector on the cobbles.

He said of the possibility of the race, which was scheduled to take place on April 12: "I'm sure I would have been up there. The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad [on February 29] was a disappointment" - Vanmarcke was 23rd - but it was a bit of a factor."

"In Paris-Nice (March 8-13), I was close to top form, working hard for Sergio Iguita. 'I was ready for spring. But what's happening now affects everyone, and we cyclists shouldn't complain.

"That's why I kept my mind on training. On Friday I trained for a total of five hours: two hours of fitness and three hours on the bike. As for endurance training, I'm alternating a bit so I can keep it fun: cycling on hills and flats, mountain biking in the woods, etc."

Now, the 31-year-old, like many of his peers, is preparing to resume racing.

He told Nieuwsblad.be, "It could happen, and it would be even more special if I won. But it all depends on how this coronavirus crisis develops." My fear is that many sponsors will pull out. Many companies are struggling and their sales are plummeting. There is even a possibility that the team could disappear."

In addition, the team's sponsors have been forced to leave the team.

In addition, Vanmarcke is in a "contract year" with EF Pro Cycling, which he joined in 2017 when the US WorldTour team was known as Cannondale-Drapac.

"There are a lot of riders in the same situation, and for many of them that uncertainty will last a long time. No one will be in the spotlight, and the team's financial situation is uncertain."

"But I'll be 32 at the end of July, and I think the teams know what they can expect from me. I don't need to take a pay cut at the moment and I'm not worried about that. I have to accept this situation and do the best I can."

Being at home with family was made even more special by the fine weather in Scandinavia this Easter. [so is weeding. I enjoy it, and I enjoy being able to play a lot with the kids."

"I've been having a lot of fun with the kids.

"Since becoming a father, I have learned that racing is not the most important thing in life. But that's why I enjoy racing more: I worry less. I'm far past the halfway point in my career, but I'm still capable of great victories, I'm sure of it [but now I'm more confident]. I am convinced of that [but] now I have more important things to do. No one in my family has contracted the coronavirus yet, and I hope it stays that way. There are many families who are suffering much more. I just hope that things will return to normal soon."