George Bennett says goodbye to his soon-to-be former employer UAE Team Emirates: "It's time to move on"

George Bennett will not race for UAE Emirates next year. The Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport already published this news last month, but now Bennett has also made himself heard on Instagram.

He was unable to reach this high level in the UAE Emirates kit. Bennett was brought into the team as climbing domestique for leader Tadej Pogacar. However, last year he dropped out early in the Tour de France, while this year he did not ride a grand tour at all. He recently finished seventh in the Tour of Austria and sixth in the Vuelta a Burgos.

"I have experienced some beautiful, but also difficult moments in recent years. I want to thank the great group of riders for the fun we had along the way. It's been great meeting new people and making friends, but now it's time to move on. Thank you again!" Bennett now says via social media.

It is still unclear where Bennett's sporting future lies. His name was associated with Soudal Quick-Step, but team manager Patrick Lefevere said in a column a month ago that the transfer of the experienced climber is not as certain as previously written. "Many stories are now appearing in the press that we would bring in George Bennett to strengthen the climbing train next year. Until further notice: at the moment he has only been offered to me by managers from all sides."