Frustrated Bennett still seeking fix for side stitch as world champs loom

AUCKLAND: Kiwi cyclist George Bennett is battling an old nemesis.

Bennett has struggled with a side stitch problem throughout his career, and was plagued by it in a disappointing Vuelta a Espana, in which he finished 35th overall.

Surgery this time last year was meant to solve the problem, but it returned earlier this year in the Giro d’Italia.

He is undergoing medical, physical and physiological testing with his LottoNLJumbo team to figure out what went wrong and how to change it, but the ongoing side stitch problem is the No 1 priority.

‘‘We’re talking to a lot of people, maybe try some nerve blocks after the season.

‘‘It’s bloody frustrating. I’m sick of it being an issue but unfortunately the reality is it’s still there as bad as ever,’’ he told Radio Sport.

‘‘When I thought I was over it earlier in the year, I had a bit of painfree time and the difference was really amazing. On one hand it’s exciting that if I do solve it, it’s like unlocking the next level, but for the moment it’s a tax. I’ve been really fortunate with other things but this is just one thing that seems to be my battle.’’

Bennett is to contest the world championships road race in Austria next weekend. He is an outside chance — if he can recover in time — to become the second New Zealand male to earn a top10 finish. — NZME