Bizarre reason Belgian rider Jules Hesters nearly missed Sunday's Gent-Wevelgem classic - 'Had to use a ladder'
Published 30/03/2025 at 14:21 GMT+1
Gent-Wevelgem is being contested for the 77th time on Sunday, as riders navigate a 250km stretch through the notoriously steep climbs, exposed roads and cobbled bergs of West Flanders, Belgium. However, Jules Hesters of Team Flanders–Baloise almost missed the start line for a bizarre reason. You can catch the classic on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch highlights as Pedersen outsprints Van der Poel to clinch Gent-Wevelgem title
Video credit: TNT Sports
Gent-Wevelgem is being contested for the 77th time on Sunday, as riders navigate a 250km stretch through the exposed roads and cobbled bergs of West Flanders.
The classic, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+, sees riders navigate tricky cross winds and several short but notoriously steep climbs, such as the Kemmelberg and the Baneberg, to make the finish line in Wevelgem.
However, one rider was forced to tackle his first obstacle of the day before even making it onto the saddle.
Upon waking up, Jules Hesters found himself trapped in his hotel room.
With the door jammed, the Team Flanders–Baloise rider needed to be rescued with a ladder.
"We have been awake since 07:00", Hesters told Sporza. "We were trapped in the hotel room, so we had to use a ladder to get down."
He added: "Instead of three double espressos, we only needed one to wake up today."
This year’s Gent-Wevelgem features star riders Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).
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The latter, last year’s victor, is many people’s favourite to reclaim his crown. Sprinter Jonathan Milan (Lidl–Trek) will also fancy his chances.
Meanwhile, the women’s race includes Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes (both SD Worx-Protime), Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ).
Stream all the top cycling action, including the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana, live and on-demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
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