Sam Bennett showed further evidence that he could become one of the best sprinters in modern cycling when he sped to a fine fourth place finish on yesterday’s second stage of the Tirreno Adriatico race.
Although the 23-year-old neo-pro was not in the ideal position with 200 metres to go, he blasted past several important riders to cross the line just behind Matteo Pelucchi (IAM Cycling), Arnaud Demare (FDJ.fr) and André Greipel (Lotto Belisol).
The quality of his finishing effort is reflected in the fact that Peter Sagan was one of those he overtook inside the final 200 metres. Sagan has won the green jersey in the past two Tours de France and is recognised as one of the fastest riders in the sport. Bennett’s director sportif Enrico Poitschke explained what complicated the finish for the young Carrick-on-Suir rider. “Unfortunately, just before the finish line, Sam was forced into the barrier again by a rider, which caused him to slow down, and then he had to start back up again. Claiming fourth place in spite of that is a great achievement. On the other hand, he could’ve come out with an even better finish.”
Bennett will be determined to have a clearer run to the line before the end of the race, knowing that he has the speed to challenge for the win. He has already notched up a victory inside his first month with the team, taking the Clasica de Almeria on March 2nd.
Today’s stage to Arezzo is also expected to finish in a group gallop.
The other two Irish riders in the race, Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff Saxo) and Dan Martin (Garmin Sharp) also finished in the main bunch yesterday. Roche is 25th overall, 24 seconds behind race leader Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma Quick Step), while Bennett is 79th and Martin is 108th.
In other news, the first two teams for this year’s An Post Rás have been announced and will feature a number of top track riders. The Belgian national squad will include former European and world madison champion Kenny de Ketele, Gent Six winner Jasper de Buyst, Belgium omnium champion Moreno De Pauw, Otto Vergaerde and Jonas Rickaert. The New Zealand team will include three members of the bronze-medal winning team from the 2014 world championships – Dylan Kennett, Piet Bulling and Marc Ryan.
This year’s Rás will begin in Dunboyne on Sunday, May 18th. It will feature stage end finishes in Roscommon, Lisdoonvarna, Charleville, Cahirciveen, Clonakilty, Carrick on Suir, Baltinglass and Skerries.
