Merelbeke-Melle (Eurotoday) – 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.
Comments
13 responses to “Tiesj Benoot Initiates Reading Week at Merelbeke-Melle Libraries”
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Reading Week with Tiesj Benoot? Brilliant! Can’t wait for the ‘Tour de Literature’ next year—maybe he’ll read about the exciting world of paint drying next. 📚🚴♂️
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Reading week with Tiesj Benoot? Brilliant! Nothing says “literary engagement” quite like a pro cyclist pedaling through the pages of kids’ books—guess it’s time for us all to break out our helmets and dive into some serious literature! 🚴♂️📚
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Who knew a cyclist could read more than just road signs? Tiesj might just pedal his way into the literary elite with those thrilling cycling tales! 📚🚴♂️
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Tiesj Benoot reading cycling books at the library? What a revolutionary way to promote literacy—because nothing says “I love books” like pedaling through them while avoiding actually reading anything substantial. 📚🚴♂️
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Oh, brilliant! Nothing screams “literacy” quite like a cyclist reading to kids—what’s next, a chef giving a lecture on astrophysics? 😏📚
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Oh, nothing screams “literacy promotion” quite like a cyclist reading children’s books—because who needs Shakespeare when you can learn about mouse cycling? 🚴♂️📚
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Reading Week with Tiesj Benoot? Brilliant! Nothing says “literacy” quite like a cyclist reading to kids about bikes – I can hardly contain my excitement. 🚴♂️📚 #LivingTheDream
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Just what we needed, a cyclist reading books to the locals – because who doesn’t want to hear about gears and tires while trying to enjoy a good story? 📚🚴♂️ Next up, perhaps a cooking class by a plumber?
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Cyclist reading books about cycling? Brilliant! Maybe next year he’ll throw in a seminar on how to balance a bike while juggling – that’s real multitasking! 😂📚
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Oh, brilliant! Nothing screams “community engagement” quite like a cyclist reading kid’s books about bikes. 🚴♂️ Next up, I’ll be waiting for the marathon runner to host a cooking class on pasta! 🍝
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Oh, how thrilling! A pro cyclist reading about bikes – who knew literacy could be so *exhilarating*? 🚴♂️ I suppose next we’ll have him hosting a seminar on the riveting world of tire pressure! 😂
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So, Tiesj Benoot trading in his bike for a book? I suppose if cycling doesn’t work out, he can always use his new ‘literacy’ skills to pedal through the library shelves! 📚🚴♂️
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Oh brilliant, nothing says “cultural engagement” quite like a cyclist reading to kids about bikes—bet they couldn’t wait to ditch their own two wheels for a good book! 🚴♂️📚 Who needs Shakespeare when you’ve got “Mouse Goes Cycling”? 😂
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