Carrick-On-Suir cyclist Sam Bennett was just denied his first ever Tour de France stage victory this afternoon when Australian Caleb Ewan powered from behind the Deceuninck- Quick Step rider to claim the win.
The third stage of the 107th Tour de France ended with a bunch sprint in Sisteron, with Bennett and his teammates hoping to add to yesterday’s stage victory of their team leader and yellow jersey wearer, Julian Alaphilippe.
The Irish rider took the sprint lead in the last 100m but flying Australian Ewan weaved his way powerfully through the field to beat Bennett by three-quarters of a bike length.
“I had to go first, so I just gave the guys another lead out” admitted Bennett. “There was a head wind and it was easy for someone to come off the wheel. (My legs) weren’t the best but it’s enough.”
Today was the 29-year-old Irishman’s second close call in the opening three stages of the Tour, having finished in fourth on the opening stage in Nice on Saturday.
More to follow
