Hotly fancied Bennett plays down National title hopes

CYCLING: Sam Bennett is the hot favourite to win tomorrow’s Elite National Road Race title in Mullingar, but the Carrick-on-Súir rider is playing down his chances.

The Team NetApp-Endura neo-professional has racked up a number of stunning wins in his debut season in the paid ranks and with the course suited to his characteristics, he’s the man who will take most beating.

Bennett, 24, from Carrick-on-Súir, has been U23 champion twice in the past, in 2010 and 2011, but is yet to medal in the Elite event.