"We were trapped" - Incredible story of how one rider required daring escape to even reach startline at Gent Wevelgem 2025

In one of the more bizarre pre-race moments of the season, Belgian rider Jules Hesters had an unexpected obstacle to overcome before even arriving at the start line of Gent Wevelgem on Sunday.

The Team Flanders – Baloise rider found himself locked in his hotel room on the morning of the race and had to be rescued with a ladder to make it to the race on time.

"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."

Fortunately, the situation was resolved quickly and with humour. Hesters managed to stay in good spirits despite the early morning drama.

"Instead of three double espressos, we only needed one to wake up today," he joked.

Despite the unconventional start to his day, Hesters did make it to the start line in time for the race, which was ultimately won by Mads Pedersen after a dominant solo effort. For Hesters, however, the day will likely be remembered less for the racing, and more for the ladder escape that got him there.