Sam Bennett takes very strong 12th place in crash-marred Gent-Wevelgem classic

Sam Bennett finished 12th at his first WorldTour classic, Gent-Wevelgem, today despite losing four teammates to crashes en-route.

By Gerard Cromwell

Sam Bennett continued his impressive run of early season form when he sprinted home to 12th pace in the his first WorldTour classic at in Belgium today.

Bennett's lead out train was cut short ahead of the finale today when three of his NetApp Endura squad hit the deck in a mass pile up earlier on in the race, with Michael Schorn coming off worst of the trio with a broken collarbone and two broken ribs, Paul Voss breaking a finger and Scott Thwaites suffering lacerations.

Despite a lack of numbers, the rest of the NetApp Endura squad gathered near the front in the final kilometres to try and get Bennett into a good position for the final sprint to the line.

The Carrick-On-Suir rider then narrowly avoided a crash in the final gallop, which took down his NetApp-Endura lead out man Zak Dempster.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Ireland's Meehan climbs with best on brutal Alpine terrain

"I was going grand," said Bennett of the sprint finish.

"I just lost Zak's wheel and got a little boxed in in the finale. I was getting it hard mid-race but the second time up each climb, I felt strong. I had the kick in the end but not the strength to place myself properly for the sprint. But we did lose four guys to crashes today."

Former An Post Ras green jersey winner John Degenkolb of Giant Shimano outsprinted FDJ's Arnaud Demare and Peter Sagan (Cannondale) in Wevelgem to take his first ever classic win.

 Sunday, March 30th: Gent-Wevelgem (WorldTour)