Sam Bennett: The self-deprecating sprinter who became one of Ireland's cycling greats

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Sean Kelly and I have come from Carrick-on-Suir,” said Bennett

Ireland's Sam Bennett celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win stage 10 of the Tour de France from Ile d'Oleron to Ile de Re. (Kenzo Tribouillard/Pool via AP)

“I just want to thank everyone that’s been involved. I just want to thank the whole team and Patrick [Lefevere, team manager] for giving me this opportunity, and to everybody it took to get here. I want to thank my wife and everyone around me.”

The first words out of Sam Bennett’s mouth after an emotionally-charged stage win at the Tour de France tell you much about the 29-year-old from Carrick-on-Suir.