Irish cyclist Sam Bennett has really etched his name into the history of pro cycling today; storming in to win stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia 2018.
Sam Bennett wins stage 7 Giro d'Italia 2018
Sam Bennett has won stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia after 159km from Pizzo to Praia a Mare.
It was the Bora-hansgrohe rider's first ever Grand Tour stage victory, after two 3rd places in the opening stages in Israel.
He also took a number of 2nd and 3rd places last year. And he won today despite losing lead-out man Rudi Selig to illness.
His win today is the first time in 31 years an Irish rider has claimed a stage at the Giro.
The last Irishman to do that was Stephen Roche; winning the stage 22 TT on his way to overall victory in 1987.
Martin Earley took a stage in 1986 and Shay Elliott, the trailblazer, won stage 18 way back in 1960.
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Today, the approach to the finish was a technical one, with a battle for position at the front of the bunch.
Elia Viviani (QuickStep) was the favourite again today after two stage wins already. But he did not get mixed up in that fight at the front. However, by the time the sprint came he had positioned himself perfectly.
He took the wheel of one of the other really fast men in the race, Sacha Modolo (EF-Drapac).
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And while he came off that wheel just before the finish and looked set to win again, Sam Bennett had other ideas.
He came from behind the Italian and got past him in the nick of time to take a very popular win.
Bennett had determinedly tracked Viviani for the final five kilometres. He stayed right on his back wheel even at the last when one of the QuickStep riders bumped him accidentally.
After letting out a roar in victory – and, without question, in relief – he punched the air. And no sooner had he came to a stop after the line than he was mobbed by his team mates.
He had shown great speed at the finish but also admirable race craft; simply using Viviani and his QuickStep train.
Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) kept the race leader's pink jersey he took on Mount Etna yesterday.
Of the other Irishmen in the race - both of whom may yet win a stage themselves - Ryan Mullen (Trek-Segafredo) was 58th and Nicolas Roche (BMC Racing) was 78th.
They both finished on the same time as the winner; their compatriot Sam Bennett.
'That was genius timing!' ?
Sam Bennett pips Elia Viviani to get his first ever Grand Tour stage win after a frantic sprint finish! ?#Giro101 pic.twitter.com/XtcSAWjULW
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) May 11, 2018
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