Bennett denied stage win in Tour of Britain by Ciolek

Sam Bennett underlined his excellent form by taking second on yesterday's stage two of the Tour of Britain.

The An Post Chainreaction Seán Kelly rider jumped clear on the steep finishing climb in Kendal, opening a gap on the main field, but was passed close to the line by Milan Sanremo winner Gerald Ciolek.

“It was frustrating to go so close to the win, but the result is still a very good one,” he said. “I’ll keep trying this week.”

Bennett is one of three riders being considered for the fourth and final slot for the Irish elite team for the world road race championships.

Bennett is hoping to secure a good pro deal for 2014 and is being watched by a number of teams.

The stage also saw strong performances by Bennett's Irish team-mate Seán Downey and Tour de France stage winner Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp), both of whom were clear in breaks. Martin finished 12th on the stage and is 11 overall.

This is his first competitive event since he suffered a concussion in the Vuelta a España and was forced to pull out.