Bennett second behind Cavendish in final stage

Sam Bennett came agonisingly close to winning a second stage of the Tour of Britain yesterday but had to settle for second best against Mark Cavendish as the race concluded in London.

The An Post Chain Reaction rider positioned himself perfectly coming into the finish, jostling with some of the world’s best sprinters to get on the back wheel of Cavendish. However, when the dash for the line opened up there was no stopping the British ace, who celebrated consecutive stage wins.

Still, 22-year-old Carrick-on-Suir rider Bennett has had a superb week, embellished by the news that he’ll represent Ireland at the World Championships this weekend in Florence.

There, Bennett will ride in support of team leader Dan Martin (Garmin-SHARP) who finished in the main bunch yesterday.

The duo will travel to Florence tomorrow where they will link up with team-mates Matt Brammeier and Nicolas Roche.

The Tour of Britain was won by Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky who held the yellow jersey since he took it after last Tuesday’s time-trial stage. Martin was best of the Irish in 13th place overall and will be one of the favourites for next weekend.