Sam Bennett may ride the Giro d'Italia next year, which starts in Ireland. His new manager sounds like he plans to treat Bennett as a senior rider and potential race winner from the very outset of his tenure with the team.
Directeur sportif of Sam Bennett’s new team NetApp-Endura, Enrico Poitschke has said the Irishman could ride next year’s Giro d’Italia which starts in Ireland on May 9th.
The former German professional said his new recruit would start the Grand Tour if he had the form, adding he would get protected rider status in races that suit him.
“If Sam shows good form, a start in a Grand Tour would not be too early,” said Poitschke.
“That could be the Giro d’Italia, if we are there. Our racing schedule for 2014 is still open and will be specified in the coming weeks.”
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“We believe that Sam has great potential when it comes to sprinting, which he has not even fully exhausted yet. We signed him to win races.”
“He had his breakthrough performance at the Tour of Britain, where he won a stage and came second only behind Mark Cavendish. This is where we noticed him again, because he already showed his talent as a junior.”
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“He has continuously improved, which has been the deciding reason why we wanted to sign him after our personal talks with him.”
Poitschke said while Bennett’s schedule for next year had not been finalized, he promised a packed agenda for the Carrick on Suir native.
“Sam will get different opportunities to show his talent. He will start in the classic races and will be a strong part in our group of sprinters in the team. And if he has good form, the whole team will support him in winning races.”
“I expect a focused preparation from him for the season. He should use every race to get the best out of it for the team and for himself. In the classics he should learn and develop as well as taking a leading role in races which suit him.”
The German-registered Pro Continental team had a brilliant season in 2013 and as well as taking a stage of the Vuelta through Leo Koenig, they also had a top 10 on GC, again from Koenig. Poitschke said the goal is to be a World Tour team one day.
Bennett is joining from An Post-Chainreaction, which competes at Continental level, one tier below his new employer. If Bennett did ride next year's Giro, Ireland could have up to five riders in the race.
Dan Martin looks set to lead Garmin-Sharp in the event, the first three stages of which are in Ireland. Nicolas Roche is hoping to lead his Saxo-Tinkoff team in the race and Philip Deignan will most likely ride for Team Sky in support of Richie Porte.
World track champion, Martyn Irvine could ride of his Pro Continental ranked team Unitedhealthcare got a wild card and now Bennett's name has been thrown into the mix by his new manager.
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