Sam Bennett missed the Tour de France in 2022 however due to lack of form, which was understood in BORA - hansgrohe after signing him as the team's new star. However in 2023 the scenario is almost exactly the same but the reactions completely different, as the Irishman was not counting on the decision.
“First I was shocked, then I was upset, and now a week later I am still processing it. I just don’t know what direction to take now," Bennett admitted in an interview with The Irish Times. “For sure, I would have been in top shape. The green jersey was something that I really wanted to go for. I really think that I could have competed for that. I have the experience. I know what’s involved. And of course, I know how to win at that level. I’ve done it before. Everything was on target."
Bennett, who returned to good form last year with wins at the Vuelta a Espana and an explosive performance at Paris-Tours, has not had the best of years so far, however did win at the Vuelta a San Juan, and showed decent form at the recent Criterium du Dauphiné. Throughout the whole season BORA were public on their decision to back him and Jai Hindley equally at the Tour, and his leadout has been selected. However, the list did not include Bennett.
“Last year, I still believe I would have got something out of the race. Because I’m the kind of rider that gets better as the race goes on. But I understood last year. I didn’t fight it. I knew where they were coming from," he continues, "I always try to put myself in other people’s position, even though I felt I should have gone last year and could have got something out of it. But this year, I should be there. I deserve my place. It’s hard. It’s a tough one.”
Bennett reveals that he wasn't expecting the decision to pull him out, and was not happy with it. More than not happy, the decision has left him scratching his head as he admits, as he is unsure of what path to follow now. He states that his form was coming up nicely, and the team's decision to keep all of his leadout men still in the selection - but with Jordi Meeus replacing him as head sprinter - wasn't understandable.
“I think it would be very close (to top form, ed.). Definitely, with regards the engine. It was different in 2020, because I was going for stages first of all, and then the green jersey started coming my way. So I probably would have gone in straight away going for green, and then looking for stages too. The approach would have been different, but I think I would have been pretty similar.”
Bennett went on to finish third in a hilly Irish national championships, he is scheduled to ride the upcoming Sibiu Cycling Tour, and likely the Vuelta a Espana later in the year - as was the case in 2022. However, his departure from the German team seems certain at this point as the team is said to be in close contacts with Team DSM sprinter Sam Welsford as their new fast man, whilst Bennett himself could head towards Human Powered Health.
“I just have to keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve still so much I want to accomplish in the sport. I’m not ready to just ride around for a few years. I want to do the work. I want to win these races. And I’m so ambitious still," he concludes. "I need a place where I have opportunity and where I can go for those wins. Working that out is going to be the tricky thing now.”
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