Sam Bennett and Ryan Mullen are back with their Bora-hansgrohe team and on the road for more racing as the final phase of their 2023 season begins. The Irish riders are set to race in Germany tomorrow, in Bemer Cyclassics, a one-day World Tour event in Hamburg.
Bennett is also provisionally down to ride the five-stage Deutschland Tour (2.Pro), starting next Wednesday, and if he rides that event it rules out a start at La Vuelta. The German stage race's final two stages are a direct clash with the opening weekend of the Vuelta.
While Bora-hansgrohe has made no announcement about its line-up for Deutschland Tour or the Vuelta, Bennett is also provisionally down to ride Tour of Britain, from September 3rd.
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Those arrangements are provisional at present and have not yet been confirmed by Bora-hansgrohe. The German team has also pulled a few surprises with selections this year, at times leaving the final decision on some riders to the last moment, meaning confirmation from the team is awaited for certainty.
Tomorrow's 205.6km race in Hamburg features the short sharp climb of Waseberg - some 700m averaging 9.7 per cent - no fewer than three times in the final. However, as the crest of the climb is passed for the final time 16km from the finish, the race is expected to come down to a bunch sprint, where Bennett can impose himself on his day.
