We wondered last month if Sam Bennett (Team NetApp-Endura) could prove a dark horse for the opening stage of the Tour de France in Harrogate this summer. It seems unlikely for a rider still in the early stages of his career, but the Irishman repeated his knack of being involved in the sprint finish on his maiden WorldTour outing by finishing fourth on stage two. Among the riders he outsprinted was two-time Tour de France green jersey winner, Peter Sagan (Cannondale).
Team bosses insisted the German-Scottish team are keen to peak in time for the Tour in July, so if Bennett is achieving these results below his best it raises interest in what he might achieve this summer. Of course, his rivals have yet to peak either, and with the maillot jaune up for grabs, the competition in Harrogate will be fierce. But Bennett showed with his Tour of Britain stage win last year, he is capable of mixing it with some of the best riders in the peloton. A bit of luck in Harrogate, and who knows what could happen?
