Sam Bennett is making a welcome return to racing action and will be back in the bunch immediately (Photo: Mac Photos)
Sam Bennett is set to make a welcome return to racing and will do so immediately as he lines out at Belgian classic Danilith Nokere Koerse tomorrow, Wednesday.
The Irish rider will be making his debut for his new team, Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling. That first appearance for the ProConti outfit comes later than planned after he was forced to undergo a surgical procedure for a cardiac issue.
The 186.4km Belgian semi-classic, from Deinze to Nokere, will offer a serious test for Bennett, especially as he will be competing in a field stacked with World Tour teams and racing against riders who have weeks of competition in their legs.
However, with such a long season ahead, the late start to the campaign can be easily brushed aside by Bennett, especially if he can find his form quickly. He will be looking to test himself tomorrow after an unexpected turn of events with his health.
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Bennett underwent medical treatment for atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heart beat. He had the procedure in Germany just days after he suffered a heart scare while in London in November.
He woke up during the night with an unusually high heart rate, especially as he had just been asleep. He then contacted doctors first thing that morning and tests were performed, which diagnosed atrial fibrillation.
Bennett and the medical staff at his new team, Pinarello Q36.5, weighed up the options for treatment and decided he would undergo a corrective procedure in Frankfurt.
He underwent ablation, which is designed to remove or destroy tissue, often using heat or cold, to correct problems like abnormal heart rhythms. In cardiac ablation, catheters deliver energy to scar faulty heart tissue causing arrhythmias, restoring a normal rhythm.
After the procedure, he took blood thinners for two months and the condition, and his treatment, mean the start of his season with his new team has been be delayed.
