Opportunity knocks for Sam Bennett

Settling into his new team quicker than many expected, Sam Bennett's victory in the Clasica de Almeria has led to his team selecting him for a number of important events, and also to consider him for the Paris-Roubaix Classic.

The 23-year-old neo-pro beat some experienced riders to take victory in the Spanish race last Sunday and he will chase more results this month in a trio of important races.

First up is the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race, a WorldTour event, beginning time on March 12th, and running until March 18th.

After that he will compete in the Dwars door Vlaanderen on March 26th and then line out in the Gent-Wevelgem race on March 30th.

His NetApp Endura team said Bennett might then ride Paris-Roubaix, on April 13th.

Seán Kelly, who won the Classic twice, said Bennett’s opening month with the German squad has been very encouraging.

"I am impressed with the way he has made an impact," he told The Irish Times this week at the launch of the An Post Chainreaction team in Belgium. "He was looking good at the end of last year. He came to a training camp we had with the team in December and was looking good. He was also more relaxed than we have seen him in the last few years.

"I think getting that contract took the pressure off him a little bit. The performances he had last year as well – I think they marked a turning point in his confidence. He has had an exceptional start to the season and fingers crossed, he can go on and stay injury-free and sickness-free. If he can do that, I think he can continue on to have great results. It is great to see."

Retained his lead
Meanwhile, Irish road race champion Matt Brammeier yesterday retained his lead in the King of the Mountains competition and could today seal victory in that competition.

The Synergy Baku rider holds a three-point lead over Isaac Bolivar (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling), and with just two category four climbs on today's stage to Kuala Terengganu, he has a solid chance of holding on.

Tomorrow’s final stage has no climbs and so whomever is in the red jersey this evening will be set for overall victory in that contest.