In 2014, Vanmarcke showed excellent form in the classics, with fourth place in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and third in Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne the following day. He also recorded top five finishes in E3 Harelbeke (fifth) and Gent–Wevelgem (fourth). In the Tour of Flanders, Vanmarcke was the only rider able to follow Cancellara's attack on the final climb of the Paterberg. The pair caught up with the two earlier escapees, Vandenbergh and Greg Van Avermaet. The race came down to a sprint between the four, with Cancellara emerging victorious ahead of Van Avermaet and Vanmarcke.