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A Belgian junior did the absolute sketchiest thing at the road worlds

Sente Sentjens decided to tighten his front wheel at full speed

Belgian rider at Glasgow
August 5, 2023
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The race never stops, which means riders need to do everything on the fly in a big event. Whether that’s a bathroom break, a clothing swap, medical attention or mechanical fix, it needs to be done when riding.

Belgian junior Sente Sentjens caught the attention of Cycling Twitter™ when he took an Allen key from his team car and then leaned down to tighten the front wheel of his bike.

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With 80 km remaining in the race, Sentjens noticed a problem with his bike. The Belgian, who will ride for Alpecin-Deceuninck in 2024, grabbed a tool and sprang into action. He began tightening the through-axle on the fly, a task that might have been easier on the side of the road.

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Former pro Nicolas Roche was not impressed with the move. He mentioned the famous Neilsen Powless battery adjustment at the Tour de France, but said this manoeuvre was no bueno.

“That’s not responsible at all,” Roche said. “He doesn’t even know what way to do it, he’s gone left, he’s gone right.”

The son of former world champion Stephen Roche did not approve of the incident.

“It is not good news to be doing up your front wheel with an Allen key at this point in a race with the speed of these descents. Never try that at home. I actually can’t believe I’ve just seen that,” the commentator said. “Yeah, that’s the first time I’ve seen it. And I hope it’s the last.”