Sam Bennett claimed the fourth stage of the UAE Tour on Wednesday at Marjan Island as Tadej Pogacar retained the leader’s red jersey.
Bennett beat David Dekker, Caleb Ewan and Elia Viviani at the end of the 204-kilometre stage.
“It feels good to win my first sprint of the season,” said the 30-year-old. “I was really nervous before the sprint because it was the first fast bunch finish of the year for me.”
Pogacar retains a 43-second cushion over Adam Yates in the general classification.
“It was a pretty long and hot day in the saddle,” reported Tour de France champion Pogacar.
“It was a shame that our sprinter Fernando Gaviria didn’t win, but we have another opportunity tomorrow,” he added, referring to Thursday’s fifth stage which ends at Jebel Jais, for the second summit finish of the event.
“The next stage is going to be super hard. We all know how strong Adam Yates is. I hope to have good legs again,” added Pogacar.
Sam Bennett claims his 50th career win at @uae_tour stage 4!! pic.twitter.com/KnO4HZ3GtU
— Cycling Ireland (@CyclingIreland) February 24, 2021
