Bennett in talks with Pro Teams

Dura Ace

I wonder what teams he's talking to. He's very young, but then again, so was Edvald Boassen Hagen when he turned pro and he's doing OK.

Taken from www.irishcycling.com

Talented young Irish rider Sam Bennett’s solid performance in the recent Tour of Ireland has led to approaches from a number of international teams, and the Carrick on Suir native will decide in the weeks ahead what his plans are for 2010.

Bennett was the youngest rider in the Tour of Ireland but impressed with decent showings against some of the world’s top professionals. He was fifteenth on stage two and 25th on stage three, finishing 25th overall in the 2.1-ranked race.

This, his stage victory in this year’s FBD Insurance Rás and his 2008 European junior points race championship title have marked him out as a big talent. He is currently racing in France with the VC La Pomme team but will make a decision about his future soon.

“There’s more than one team talking to him,” his coach Martin O’Loughlin told Irishcycling.com today. “There seems to be a lot of interest out there because he is a good sprinter. He is faster than a lot of guys but so far his positioning before the sprints plus a lack of a leadout have held him back. However he is passing a lot of good riders in the sprints and that has been noticed.”

According O’Loughlin, Bennett is also considering a return to Cycling Ireland’s track programme. This is however dependent on him being carded at what O’Loughlin terms an ‘appropriate level’.

“He might rejoin the Irish Track squad in the New Year, but that is contingent on a firm commitment from CI and the ISC that he will be carded at an appropriate level. Under 2009 criteria, he qualifies for no funding in 2010.”

Last year Bennett was told by a Cycling Ireland official that he would be eligible for International-level carding, but the rider was ultimately given the lesser Development funding. This was judged on his junior Tour performance rather than his European title.

Bennett has been a reserve member of the Irish team pursuit squad. The four man lineup which finished fifth and seventh in World Cup races this year has been badly affected by the tragic death of Paul Healion in a traffic accident in August, making Bennett’s return all the more important.

Chips Lovell

Wow. Didn't think that would happen for another year or two. He's still only 18 isn't he?

lukester

Thought he was very impressive in the ToI, and seems a very nice kid.

Jammy git Well deserved.

Junior

Jesus I didn't think it would happen either from talking to him, I also didn't see him going back to track racing considering he said he hadn't had a break in a long while and he wanted to recover this winter.

topazkk

Really well deserved, he's hard working and has got a great attitude. There's an interview here with him from a couple of months back: http://www.thebike.ie