Bennett puts hand up for TT
He may be capable of pedalling with the best on the planet but leading New Zealand cyclist George Bennett has not put his name forward to compete in the men’s road race at next month’s UCI world championship.
The 27-year-old, who was on the verge of becoming the first Kiwi to finish inside the top 10 at the Tour de France before being forced to withdraw due to illness, has instead confirmed his intention with Cycling New Zealand to compete in the individual time trial.
Easily the country’s best climber, Bennett said the surprising decision to prioritise the individual time trial over the road race in came down to the course layout with the 31km time trial in the Norwegian city of Bergen finishing with a 3.4km climb up Mount Floyen.
By comparison, the road road is a largely flat course that does not suit his strengths, he said.
‘‘I said I’m not really putting my hand up for it and next year worlds will be a big focus in Austria because it’ll be a crazy mountain course and will be a lot more suited to me,’’ said Bennett, who produced a scorching time trial to win the Tour of California in May.
‘‘I’d definitely ride for one of the boys if they needed the help because there’s guys like [Sam] Bewley and Jack [Bauer] that have ridden for me many times but I just think we have better guys for the job, guys that are stronger riders on that course.’’
With just two time trial spots up for grabs, Bennett said Cycling New Zealand’s selectors have a tough decision on their hands, well aware that national champion Jack Bauer (Quick-step Floors), Patrick Bevin (Cannondaledrapac) and former rowing star Hamish Bond will be pressing their case for selection as well.
Unlike Bennett, Bevin and Bauer though, Bond does not compete on the World Tour, which could hinder his chances. However his ambition is to compete at the next Olympic Games and he has been performing well in lower-tier time trials across England in the past month.
With Bond competing at a different level, Bennett said Cycling New Zealand’s decision could come down to data provided by each rider, instead of their individual results.
‘‘One is the pinnacle of time trialling in the world and one is an anyone can enter club race. But the reality is he’s going so fast in those club races that there’s every chance that he could be competitive in a World Tour trial,’’ he said.
‘‘I’d definitely be disappointed [if I’m not selected] but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. There’s no point worrying about that stuff until it happens.
‘‘I think it’s a pretty good course for me and I’m a pretty good shot of going but a lot of it depends on the other guys.
‘‘A year ago the thought of even trying to go to the worlds for the time trial was something I never would have thought.’’
After finally shaking off the illness that forced him to withdraw from the Tour de France, Bennett has joined his Lottonl-jumbo team-mates in Andorra to prepare for this month’s Vuelta a Espana, the final Grand Tour of 2017.
Eager to put the Tour de France disappointment behind him, Bennett said his performance in Spain could also dictate whether he makes the cut for the world championship or not.
‘‘If I’m absolutely on my knees and completely have nothing left, well then it’s my responsibility to be honest with myself and with the selectors and say there’s guys that will be better for it, and that is something that is hard to control coming out of a Grand Tour.’’