Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon 18) made his debut today in Milan-San Remo and finished in 78th position, just under five minutes dowon on the winner, John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin). German rider Degenkolb won in a sprint from a select group just ahead of last year’s winner Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Michael Matthews (Orica-Greenedge).
One of Bennett’s team mates, Jan Barta, Joined a breakaway group shortly after the start, and this group stayed away for much of the race. However, with 40 kilometers to go, the leaders started attacking each other and the group fell apart. Barta was able to stay with a following chasing group until the final climb, when the 30-year old Czech paid for his long effort.
Bennett’s Directeur Sportif, Enrico Poitschke, discussed the race afterwards. “The race carried out exactly as we expected,” he said. “Our main goal was that one of our riders is part of the lead group. Jan made it into the early break and he did a good race. The guys back in the peloton were assigned to bring Sam in a good position at the deciding points of the race.”
“Cristiano and Paul had the tactical freedom to follow late attacks. Unfortunately Paul was involved in a crash with several riders at the Capo Berta which also kept back some more of our riders. It’s a real pity for Paul because he had a very good form.”
“The guys did their best to bring Sam back to the front group till the Cipressa, which didn’t work out unfortunately. We knew beforehand that this race might be a bit too long at this point for Sam.”
“We gave him the chance to get to know the race for upcoming years. And that’s what he did very well. According to his statement after the race he wasn’t that far away from being part of the selected group that sprinted for the win. That’s a very promising sign.”
