Sam Bennett hoping Tour de France success does not bring him celebrity status

He insisted he never craved recognition, but that did not stop him wondering why he did not get it.

Sam Bennett of Ireland, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, celebrates as he crosses the finish line in the 21st and last stage of the Tour de France. Picture: AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool

Sam Bennett will be quite content if his Tour de France success does not bring him celebrity status – the Irishman is simply happy to have proven his place amongst the world’s best sprinters.

Bennett earned his first career Tour victory on stage 10 but then outdid himself by unexpectedly winning the points leader’s green jersey – the first Irishman to win any jersey at the Tour since Sean Kelly took green in 1989 – before an emotional victory on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday.