OPTIMISM RISING FOR BENNETT IN BATTLE FOR TOUR’S GREEN JERSEY

SAM BENNETT admitted that he is getting more ‘optimistic’ about winning the green jersey but that things can change quickly in the Tour de France as he took another step closer to glory after yesterday’s 16th stage into Villard-de-Lans. Germany’s Lennard Kamma took the stage victory, accelerating away from the breakaway group at the top of the penultimate climb while Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic retains the yellow jersey. It was an uneventful day in Bennett’s battle with Peter Sagan for the green jersey, with neither rider involved in the intermediate sprint. It means the

Irishman remains 45 points ahead of the seven-time points winner. ‘I expected a tough start but in the end, it was fine,’ Bennett said. ‘The team had a great day, and that was convenient! As for my strategy, once the intermediate sprint is done, it’s all about preparing for the next day — saving energy, saving the legs. ‘Whatever extra effort you do is due to be paid in the following days, especially in this hard Tour de France.

It is about fighting our way through Sunday. ‘That will be a day to enjoy. I’m getting more optimistic, but it is just because I felt so good on the bike today. Things can change quickly.’ Nicholas Roche, whose father Stephen took the yellow jersey in Villard-deLans back in 1987, was also in the break and came home in eighth place. ‘You start the stage with the dream of winning another stage in the Tour de France but also you cannot be too greedy, you’re competing against some of the best riders on the planet,’ the Irishman said.