Sam Bennett’s anticipated signing for Bora-hansgrohe has been confirmed and the Irish rider will, from January 1st next, go back to the team he has spent most of his career with.
Bennett joins on a two-year contract and the lead-out men he is bringing with him - With Danny van Poppel, Shane Archbold and Ryan Mullen – are all on two-year deals.
Irish rider Mullen is moving Bora-hansgrohe after four years with Trek-Segafredo, during which he has become an established WorldTour pro working for that team’s leaders.
Sam Bennett is rejoining the German WorldTour team as
many of its big name riders – including Peter Sagan and Pascal Ackermann – are leaving
the squad.
It means Bennett goes back as undisputed sprinter in the team, a position he was not always in during his last days with Bora-hansgrohe before he left for Deceuninck-QuickStep two years ago.
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Bora-hansgrohe team manager, Ralph Denk,
said it hurt the team when Bennett left two years ago and he was delighted the
Irishman, one of the very best sprinters in the world, was now coming back.
“We've been together for several
years, he turned pro with us and we developed him into one of the best
sprinters in the peloton,” Denk said of Bennett previously riding with the team
for six years to the end of 2019.
“It's no secret that his departure hurt us a lot at the
time. However, I can understand that he felt that step was important for his
career. I’d say that only worked out partially.
“We are a team that places a lot of value on cohesion,
respect and sustainable cooperation, as we believe that these are the
foundations for long-term success. You can have disagreements sometimes.
“However, as long as you treat each other with respect,
you will always find each other again. That was also the case here. We have
clear goals with Sam and I am confident that with our support he will be able
to achieve several victories over the coming years.
“He is undisputedly one of the very best sprinters in the
world and has proven this by winning the green jersey at the 2020 Tour. We have
also put together a strong sprint train for him. I think we are very well
positioned with these new signings.”
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