Bjorn Asselman - Hélène Hesters before the start of the Scheldeprijs 2024
About Hélène
Hélène Hesters is a 19-year-old track and road cyclist from Ghent. But surprise, surprise. She hasn't always been one! Unlike many other cyclists, you won't find cute pictures of Hélène on her racing bike before her teenage years. This is because Hélène only started cycling in 2020. In the years prior, she practiced acrogym. Shortly after her switch in sports, she found her way to the Topsportschool in Ghent, where she had the opportunity to develop further as a track cyclist. Four years into her career, she has already won multiple medals at championships (Junior and U23), become a multiple-time Belgian champion on the track, claimed the title of junior European track champion twice, and even competed at the Olympics!
If you didn't know Hélène yet, but her name sounds familiar, that’s likely because you know her brother, Jules Hesters, who has been active in track cycling for a bit longer! In my opinion, siblings in cycling are something special. I can imagine sharing the athletic experience with someone so close to you creates a unique bond.
It’s even better when they share great moments! Remember the birthday celebration at the Track Champions League?
And that time when Jules reacted in shock after seeing his sister crash during the TCL, it's just one of those moments that show how strong their bond is.
Both videos are from GCN+/Eurosport
We already know a few things about Hélène Hesters, but I thought it’d be even better to hear from Hélène herself! So, here you go, an interview with Hélène, covering how she got into cycling, her thoughts on women’s cycling, and so much more!
The Interview
Q: You switched from acrogym to cycling during the COVID pandemic. How did that decision come about? Was it something you’d considered before?
Hélène: When I was a gymnast, I’d watch my brother’s races, but cycling never appealed to me, it seemed boring! But during COVID, Jules said, “Come on, let’s go cycling together,” and he even bought me my first bike. That’s how it all began.
Q: Track cycling and acrogym seem worlds apart. How was the switch? What challenges did you face?
Hélène: In acrogym, there were set training hours and a social aspect since we trained together. But with cycling, I often train alone, and it’s up to me to hype myself up for sessions. That took some getting used to.
Instagram OTM - The young(er) Hélène Hesters practicing acrogym
Q: After your switch, you were quickly labeled a great talent, and you earned European titles as a junior. Did you feel external pressure?
Hélène: Not really. I know I have a lot of room to grow, and junior results can’t compare to the elite level. This year especially made that clear to me. The so-called “pressure” just pushes me to keep proving myself.
Q: With Shari Bossuyt’s suspension, you had the chance to join the elite track ranks earlier than expected, competing in both the World Championships and the Olympics. How did that feel? Was it well-timed, or a bit early?
Hélène: It was a big step, but one I had to take. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Competing in the Super World Championships in Glasgow and then the Olympics at 19 is something not everyone experiences. But maybe the packed schedule with the Euros in Anadia, Elite Worlds, then the Junior Worlds in Colombia was a bit much.
Q: Like Jolien D’hoore and Lotte Kopecky, you compete on both track and road. Was this always your plan? How does it feel to ride in Lotte Kopecky’s shadow?
Hélène: Yes, I always intended to combine both because track alone isn’t enough for a career in Belgium. Road cycling makes me stronger on the track, and vice versa. Lotte is both a role model and a friend, so riding in her shadow really is an honor.
Q: How do you feel about the development and increased attention toward women’s cycling in Belgium? Where do you see room for improvement?
Hélène: There’s still a financial gap, and media attention shifts quickly back to the men. But with the progress we’ve made, I really can’t complain.
Bjorn Asselman - Hélène Hesters and her team Liv AlUla Jayco on the startpodium of the Scheldeprijs 2024
Q: Who inspires you the most in the cycling world, and why?
Hélène: My brother, he works so hard, never gives up, and always treats people with honesty and respect.
Q: Looking back on the Track World Championships in Ballerup, where you and Katrijn Declerq placed eighth in the Madison, what are your reflections?
Hélène: The Madison is a team race, and you go through it together. I was feeling great, but Katrijn was slightly off, which impacted her. It was also Kenny’s last race, and we wanted to celebrate his career. We knew we could place higher, but things just didn’t come together.
Q: What’s your favorite memory in cycling so far?
Hélène: It’s hard to pick one, but the big championships on the track are always special for me.
Q: And finally, if you could dream freely, what do you hope to achieve in your career? Would you like to focus on road cycling or track?
Hélène: I hope to excel on the road as well, but my biggest dream is to become a world champion on the track.
So, that was the interview! In contrast to the interview, Hélène Hesters’s progress is far from over! Whether she’s in the spotlight or just beneath it, Hélène’s stays determined , fueled by her love for cycling and the thrill of competition. Belgium, keep your eyes on Hélène; many more unforgettable moments are on the horizon!
Thank you for reading my blog again, I hoped you enjoyed it! Contact me on my socials if you noticed a typo or have a question/suggestion! And while you're at it why not share this blogpost with your friends! ;-)
In the next blogpost we will get back to the Saar's Pedal Passion awards and decide who deserves to win the Oops I Did It Again, Surprise Sensation, and Laughter on Two Wheels Awards! See you then? <3
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