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Sam Bennett of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale continued his impressive form by securing his fourth victory of the season at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour (2.1) on stage 3. The Irish sprinter demonstrated his dominance on a challenging uphill finish in Hambers, overcoming repeated attacks from his rivals to claim the win and extend his overall lead in the general classification.
The stage, spanning 166km, featured a series of rolling hills and a tough final climb, which fractured the peloton and saw significant gaps open among the riders. Bennett, wearing the yellow jersey as race leader, was a marked man throughout the day, particularly by Arkéa-B&B Hotels, whose rider Victor Guernalec started the stage level on time with him. The French team attempted to unsettle Bennett with aggressive riding on the lumpy terrain, but the Irishman remained composed and positioned himself well for the final ascent.
As the race reached its climax on the uphill kick to the line, Bennett showcased his strength and tactical acumen. Despite the attacks and the efforts of his rivals to distance him, he stayed with the front group and timed his sprint to perfection. He crossed the line first, securing not only the stage victory but also a valuable time bonus that further solidified his overall lead.
Henri Uhlig of Alpecin-Deceuninck finished second on the stage, with Ewen Costiou of Arkéa-B&B Hotels rounding out the podium in third. Costiou, a promising 22-year-old French rider, had launched an early attack on the climb in pursuit of the stage win but was ultimately unable to hold off Bennett’s powerful finishing kick.
With this victory, Bennett extended his lead in the general classification to 14 seconds over Uhlig, while Costiou sits in third place, 16 seconds adrift. The Irishman’s performance was a testament to his versatility and resilience, proving that he can handle tough terrain and challenging finishes as well as he can dominate in flat sprint stages.
The Région Pays de la Loire Tour has been a showcase of Bennett’s strong form this season, and his success here bodes well for his ambitions in the upcoming races. As the final stage approaches, Bennett will be confident in his ability to defend the yellow jersey and secure overall victory in the race.
In summary, Sam Bennett’s win on stage 3 was a display of tactical intelligence, physical strength, and mental fortitude. Withstanding repeated attacks on a challenging course, he emerged triumphant on the uphill finish and extended his lead in the general classification. With just one stage remaining, Bennett is well-positioned to claim the overall title, continuing his standout season in 2024.
