Sam Bennett has put in a very strong performance at Paris-Tours but just come up short in the final sprint to the line as Frenchman Arnaud Démare repeated his victory of 12 months ago in the event.
Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe) coped very well with the gravel sections that are now a feature in the 213.5km event. With about 60km to go today he went off the front of the remains of the peloton in a group, in pursuit of five-man breakaway.
However, having put in a very good shift up the road, the race regrouped in the finale when Bennett and the other escapees were recaptured by the peloton. The Irish rider lost touch with the remaining breakaway men on an incline with about 11km to go.
And while he and the others were all eventually collected by the remains of the bunch, Bennett still looked very strong in the final sprint, where he displayed the kind of kick that carried him to two Vuelta stage wins last month when he roared back into form.
Advertisement
Related News
In the final dash to the line, Démare (Groupama-FDJ) took it up early and sprinted from the front with Edward Theuns (Trek-Segafredo) in his wheel and Bennett directly behind him. Bennett had to wait and wait until he found some space on the inside to try and overtake Démare.
The Irish rider found that space inside the last 50 to 100 metres and began gaining on Démare and Theuns. However, despite his very fast finish he ran out of road and had to settle for 3rd place after putting in a great show; Démare winning it from Theuns.
