Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale have started 2024 in spectacular form. Although it took Sam Bennett a little time, the Irishman has now finally joined the party with his first win of the season on stage 2 of 4 Jours du Dunkerque.
"It was a great sprint. I'm very happy to bring this victory to the team," reflects the 33-year-old post-stage. A few years ago, Bennett was the most feared sprinter in the peloton. After a rocky couple of seasons however, the ten-time Grand Tour stage winner is hoping to reignite his career with a move to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team.
Based on the French outfit's early season joy, it's fair to say Bennett made a good choice with his new employers. "On paper, I may be one of the fastest sprinters in the Four Days of Dunkirk, but in the field there are no guarantees," he assesses. "The team did a great job today, and I'm very proud of all my team-mates. They have a lot of experience, and it's a privilege to race alongside them. It's really incredible to be able to win thanks to them. As for the rest of the race, we'll take it day by day and see how it goes."
With two stages down, Bennett is also now into the overall lead of the race too. With another opportunity on stage 3, more Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team success could be on the cards.
🇫🇷 @4JDDunkerque 🥇 @Sammmy_Be s'impose au sprint sur la 2e étape et décroche sa première victoire de la saison 😍 La 16e pour l'équipe 👊 🥇 @Sammmy_Be wins the bunch sprint on stage 2 and takes his first victory of the season 😍 The 16th for the team 👊…
