Fifth for Hugo Hofstetter at Gent – Wevelgem
Having finished on the podium at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne to start his 2025 Classics campaign in style, Hugo Hofstetter showed his strength once again by coming fifth in Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.
Hofstetter was only beaten by European champion Tim Merlier (SOQ), Jonathan Milan (LTK), and former winner Alexander Kristoff (UXM) in the bunch sprint for second after Mads Pedersen soloed to the victory.
In a relentless race notable for featuring a peloton that split frequently – thanks to windy conditions in Flanders, as well as the race’s noted climbs and Plugstreets – the Frenchman was consistently well placed.
“I’m proud of myself to finish fifth – I think it’s my biggest result in a Classic. Gent – Wevelgem for me is a huge race,” he said.
“There was a bit of pressure today because I had the lead from the team. Everybody was really committed around me – they were near me all day and I’m really grateful. I want to thank the team for this.”
This was Hofstetter’s fifth top-7 result of 2025, all of which have come in Belgian one-day races.
He adds: “These are the kind of races I like – always fighting, fighting, fighting until the end. I know I’m able to perform at my best here when I’m in shape. It was mentally hard today so I’m just glad that I had the chance to finish with a good result.”
