There was misfortune today for Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe) when he lost the points jersey on the final 143.7-kilometre stage of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey (2.UWT) after crashing shortly before the finish.
The Irishman was in contention for a fifth stage win when he slid out inside the final few hundred metres with the stage victory going instead to Edward Theuns (Trek-Segafredo) who also took the points jersey. The overall win went to Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates).
After the break of the day was caught with three kilometres remaining, it looked like there would be another bunch sprint. Coming towards the finish in Istanbul, a crash in the bunch resulted in a diminished lead group forming as numerous riders were caught behind the pile-up.
Bennett, Theuns and the Irish rider’s team mate Matteo Pelucchi got a small gap on the rest of the lead group. However, on the last corner, Bennett crashed and Theuns finally managed to get his stage win with Pelucchi in second. Fortunately, Bennett was able to finish the stage and had no serious injuries
Directeur Sportif Enrico Poitschke, had mixed feelings after this final stage: “It´s a pity, we lost the sprint jersey on the last day. Sam had good legs but hit the ground on the final corner and due to that, he lost the jersey. Luckily, he hasn’t any injuries. Matteo took second, which is really a good result. The tour started perfect but ended with mixed feelings.”
A true gentleman and professional…ROLL ON 2018
It was perhaps the only thing stopping a fifth stage win!! He’ll be hell to deal with in the 2018 finals!!
Terrible hard luck, he will bounce back.