Irish cyclist Sam Bennett surged to the finish line in his Stage 4 win of the UAE Tour earlier today.
His Deceuninck-QuickStep team-mate Michale Morkov provided the Irish man with a crucial lead as the stage reached its suspense filled climax on Al-Marjan Island. Bennett’s positioning throughout proved decisive as he narrowly finished ahead of David Dekker and Caleb Ewan.
Bennett’s win in the UAE was his first of the new season. He was unable to compete in the opening stage as crosswinds left the peloton fragmented.
The Carrick-on-Suir man said after his victory: “I had to wait a few days to get this opportunity.
“I was really nervous before the sprint, to do the first bunch sprint of the season. All I had to do was follow the guys, they did a fantastic job each one of them.”
Bennett continued: “I was really proud to finish off the job today. I think today is my 50th professional win.
“It’s really nice to get that first win of the season, and I just want to thank my team-mates for the great job they did today.”
Tomorrow’s proceedings will see the Stage 4 winner face the mountain stage from Fujairah City to Jebel Jais. The UAE Tour concludes with two more sprint stages, bringing with it a realistic chance of success for Bennett.
