Sam Bennett (far left) takes the final stage of the An Post Rás into Skerries back in May. He's hoping to make the podium on the Tour of Britain in the next week and says he's in better shape now that he was 12 months ago when he took two 5th places in the bunch sprints in the British showpiece. (Photo: Paul Mohan-Sportsfile)
By Brian Canty
Sam Bennett heads into the Tour of Britain tomorrow, Sunday, confident he can perform better than he did last year, when he notched two fifth place finishes.
The An Post-Chainreaction rider has been in a rich vein of form of late, and as well as taking a fine victory in a pro kermesse in Belgium, he has also notched 4th and 7th respectively in two UCI 1.1 ranked one-day races in the space of a fortnight.
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The Carrick-on-Suir sprinter believes his form is better this year than it was last, which is why he thinks getting on the podium over the next eight days is an attainable goal.
“I’m definitely stronger than last year but I still have to get in the right place at the right time this year again; I was in pretty good nick this time last year but I’m better now,” he told stickybottle.
“I’ve had a few very good placings recently but I’d like a win, maybe I’ll get one next week.”
Bennett changed from his long-time coach Martin O’Loughlin in early May this year and decided to work with Neal Henderson, coach to many pro riders, such as Taylor Phinney (BMC). And the switch has been good. He remains in contact with mentor O’Loughlin, who is till advising him.
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“It’s going great. When I started with him (Neal), it was around the time of the Rás and you don’t just spring into a new man straight away. It took until the last month for the training to show. But it has definitely worked for me so far anyway."
“The last four races I’ve been up in. I can’t really complain about the form. And if I keep getting up there, eventually something will fall my way,” he explained.
“I think my power is improving,” continued Bennett.
“When I’m out training I’d get a higher max power than I would in a race. In a race I’d never really go around 1350watts for max power but in the pro kermesse the other day, where I got second, I got 1579 watts which was nice. I don’t think it lasted that long but I’ve definitely noticed my power is better."
"And also, the last few races I’ve been riding harder than you would as a sprinter so when it comes to the Tour of Britain next week, hopefully I’ll be that much stronger and fresher at the end."
“I think when you’re weaker you have to be lucky to be in the right place and then you can maybe do something, but when you’re strong, you always seem to be in the right place. You can fight for position better and step out into the wind maybe for a second to adjust your position,” he added.
He’s conscious too that the season is pushing on and next week is so important to him if he wants to move up a level.
“Definitely, you always have to be aware that you’re in the shop window. It’s always the goal to try and move up and better yourself and get results. Hopefully I can get some.”
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