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Sam Bennett expressed frustration and self-criticism after finishing sixth in the sprint of stage four at the Giro d’Italia. The Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale rider had positioned himself well in the finale, rounding the final bend on the wheel of race leader Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek). However, a series of errors and tactical misjudgments cost him a potential podium finish or even a stage win.
Bennett explained that the chaotic nature of the first sprint stage in a grand tour complicated matters for him and his team. He and his leadout man, Tord Gudmestad, aimed to stay together but struggled to maintain position in the frenetic finale. As the sprint unfolded, Bennett had the opportunity to follow Gudmestad, who moved up on the inside. Instead, he chose to follow Pedersen, anticipating that the Dane would open a clear path to the line.
This decision proved costly. When Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) momentarily disrupted Bennett’s momentum, Pedersen surged ahead, opening a gap. Bennett quickly closed the distance and was gaining momentum when Pedersen drifted across the road, blocking Bennett’s path. With no space to pass, Bennett was forced to ease up, crossing the line frustrated and shaking his head.
Reflecting on the sprint, Bennett acknowledged his mistake: “I should have followed Tord. We said at the beginning that we would keep following each other. It never opened for me. It was my mistake.” He took full responsibility for the misjudgment, emphasizing that he had deviated from the team’s plan to stick together in the finale.
Despite the disappointment, Bennett remains optimistic about future sprint opportunities in the Giro. The race includes several more stages likely to end in bunch sprints, including a potential one on Thursday. However, Bennett rued the missed opportunity to make a stronger start in his quest for stage wins.
Bennett’s performance highlighted both his speed and his ability to position himself well in the chaotic final kilometers of a grand tour sprint. His self-criticism also underscored his high standards and determination to improve. As he looks ahead to the next sprint stages, Bennett will aim to execute his leadout plan more effectively and capitalize on his strong form.
The stage was won by Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), who pipped Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Kooij in a tight finish. Pedersen’s fourth place saw him retain the race leader’s pink jersey, while Bennett’s sixth-place finish left him eager to bounce back in the coming days.
For Bennett, the Giro d’Italia is an important opportunity to showcase his sprinting prowess. After a challenging 2023 season, he has worked hard to return to his best form. While stage four did not go as planned, his performance demonstrated that he has the speed to compete with the top sprinters in the race. With lessons learned and a determination to improve, Bennett remains a strong contender for stage victories in the remaining sprints.
