There was disappointment for Sam Bennett (Bora Argon 18) in the Münsterland Giro today when he got boxed in inside the final hundred metres. He had been amongst the favourites to take the win in a race that favours sprinters.
A five-man breakaway went clear shortly after the start in Ibbenbüren, but they were never given much freedom by the bunch with the gap never reaching five minutes.
The race was controlled by Etixx-Quick Step, LottoNL-Jumbo, Lotto-Soudal and Bora-Argon 18 and with ten kilometres remaining, the last of the escapees were caught on the finish laps in the city center of Münster.
It was set up for a bunch sprint as the pace was kept high. With 500 metres remaining, Bennett appeared to be in a great position. However, he got boxed in and instead it was Tom Boonen (Etixx – Quick Step) who won the 10th edition of the Münsterland Giro, while Bennett finished in 11th place.
Sports Director Steffen Radochla explained afterwards: “The race went perfectly until the last hundred meters. The teamwork was very good and the guys rode exactly as we planned it. The whole course of the race has played into our hands and the team was able to prepare optimally the sprint in the finale. Shane and Michael brought Sam to the last 500 meters,” said Radochla.
“Unfortunately, Sam got boxed in and he could not even start his sprint. This can happen especially in a bunch kick, and it’s also a part of the sport. Obviously, Sam is quite disappointed directly after the finish, because the podium was in reach.”
