Merelbeke-Melle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Cyclist Tiesj Benoot launched Reading Week at Merelbeke and Melle libraries by reading 3 cycling-themed books this afternoon, Nov 19, 2025, promoting literacy and engaging the local community.
As VRT News reported, professional cyclist Tiesj Benoot, who moved from Drongen near Ghent to Merelbeke-Melle, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, 3 years ago, was invited as a well-known resident to help launch the annual celebration of books and reading.
What books did Tiesj Benoot read to kick off Merelbeke reading week?
This afternoon, Nov 19, 2025, professional cyclist Tiesj Benoot read for half an hour at the Merelbeke library. He presented 3 cycling-themed books: The New Bicycle by Darcy Day Zoells, Mouse Goes Cycling by Lucy Cousins, and The Time Trial by Rod Waters. Officials mentioned that the reading was part of Reading Week, a program aimed at promoting reading and engaging the local community.
“Lots of people came to listen, and it was fun,”
says Benoot.
“It’s something completely different for me, of course. I sometimes read to my daughters in the evenings, but that’s not often for a group like this. They also picked out some books related to my job and not about random topics, and the kids really enjoyed that.”
“I was a bit nervous at first. I’m always a bit uneasy about speaking in front of an audience, but it wasn’t too bad. I’m not nervous before the race anymore; it’s different, it’s more about a kind of tension. I’ve ridden the Tour of Flanders 11 times, and the day before I’ll have some jitters, but not nerves.”
“I don’t read enough,” he admits.
“I’m currently reading three books, and I’m halfway through them. They always go in my suitcase. One is about sleep, one about the human brain, and then a book about improving athletic performance. So, no fiction; I’m more of a TV show guy in that regard.”
Reading Week at the Merelbeke library continues until Saturday, Nov 22, 2025. Visitors will meet local personalities, including football analyst Get Verheyen, theatre maker Jesse Van Damme, retired detective Alain Remue, and French frying world record holder Joeri Cornelis.
Merelbeke library has hosted similar Reading Week events since 2018. Each year, local athletes, artists, and writers are invited to read and share their experiences. The program promotes reading and community engagement.
Past editions in 2019, 2021, and 2022 featured notable residents from the Merelbeke-Melle municipality, allowing locals to connect with literature while celebrating local talent.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
