Sam Bennett grabs another top result after 'Roy of the Rovers' ride in Four Days of Dunkirk

Sam Bennett has overcome illness and adversity on the road in extreme crosswinds to take another top placing in the Four Days of Dunkirk opening stage in France today. Seen here in the Rund um Köln, which he went on to win in Germany last month. Just behind him in the shot is Bennett's An Post-Chainreaction team mate from last year Sean Downey.

By Brian Canty

Ireland’s Sam Bennett has notched another excellent result in his debut season in the professional ranks when he blasted to fifth place in the bunch sprint that decided the opening stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk this afternoon.

The NetApp-Endura rider didn’t have the best position in the final kilometres as he was left isolated by his team and appeared to be slightly boxed in when the sprint opened up. It left former U23 world champion Arnaud Demare (FDJ.fr) to come around him and others for the win.

“I was a bit disappointed afterwards, I wasn’t too badly placed considering it was quite hectic,” said Bennett.

“But Arnaud was on another level, he came around me so fast he almost spun me around.

“I had Blaz Jarc to keep me out of the wind but he nearly crashed outside the one kilometre to go sign so I was alone from then on.

“The legs weren’t so good today though and my stomach was in knots so to get fifth against a strong field was good I guess. I’ve a few more chances yet to maybe get another win.”

Indeed, Bennett admitted to feeling quite poorly from the drop of the flag and found himself at the wrong side of a split in the bunch as he stopped to seek treatment.

“I missed that split and in the crosswinds it was quite serious because they were stronger than Oman and Qatar I reckon,” he said in reference to the early seasons tours in the Middle East where the crosswind and lack of shelter is infamous.

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“So I had to ride across the gap by myself which took up quite a bit of energy. Plus, I did it on the hilly section.”

Tomorrow’s second stage takes the riders 166 kilometres with just one climb to negotiate but there are also three sprint points.

Bennett says he’s in France to target stage wins, but would also like to see how far he can go on the general classification.

“I think I can do well here if I get myself right, I really want to move up the standings in the Europe Tour as well and this race will be good for that.”

The race concludes on Sunday.

May 7th to 10th: Four Days of Dunkirk

Stage 1: Dunkerque - Coudekerque-Banche 162km