Mark Cavendish wins the stage 14 bunch sprint to win into Parc Des Oiseaux but an injured Sam Bennett - on the right of shot in the red helmet - was back in the hunt.
By Brian Canty
Sam Bennett got back into the thick of things on stage 14 of the Tour de France today, bagging a fine 12th place on a day Mark Cavendish claimed his 30th stage win in the race.
While the Manxman took all the plaudits for another incredible victory after he edged Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Peter Sagan (Tinkofff) Bennett was right up there too and can take enormous pride for just being there after the last two weeks he's endured.
He crashed on the opening stage and suffered appalling hand injuries - including a broken finger, and has battled to stay in the race right up until now.
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But today, he put all that to one side and with amazing help from his teammates who shielded and shepherded him to the front he made a fine fist of the gallop at the end of the 208-kilometre stage from Montelimar to Villars les Dombes.
However, a slight hesitation in the final saw him slip five or six places – though he did look like he had what it took to challenge for at least a podium.
It’s a positive sign for him after spending the last two weeks suffering through stages and just aiming to beat the time limit on each day.
Today, for the first time, we saw he is in good shape and though the stages to come aren’t really suited to his characteristics, he might have a say in a stage yet.
The other Irishman in the race Dan Martin (Etixx-QuicStep) crossed the line in 76th position in the same time as Cavendish and he remains ninth overall, 5:03 down on race leader Chris Froome (Team Sky) who also enjoyed an easier day than days previous.
The Briton still leads Bauke Mollema (Trek Segafredo) by 1:47 with Adam Yates (Orica Bike-Exchange) next at 2:45.
Tomorrow's stage takes the riders 160 kilometres from Bourg-en-Bresse to Culoz and we can expect fireworks as there are six categorised climbs - including the hors categorie Col du Colombier after 113 kilometres.
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