Numb George Bennett loses a few minutes: “It was completely empty at the end”

Numb George Bennett loses a few minutes: “It was completely empty at the end”

Thursday May 13, 2021 at 8:36 PM

George Bennett believed in a good ranking before the start of the Giro d’Italia, but the New Zealand climber follows almost nine minutes behind leader Attila Valter after six stages. It was difficult in the rainy stage in San Giacomo.

The leader of Jumbo-Visma had to let go of the group of favorites on the final climb, managed to come back with the help of Koen Bouwman, but soon after, the lights went out for good. On the line, the damage proved to be significant: Bennett lost seven minutes against riders like Egan Bernal and Remco Evenepoel.

“We came here to run a classification with George”, then replies sporting director Addy Engels. “We must now be realistic and conclude that this plan can be put on hold for the time being. George was completely numb with the cold and was completely empty by the end. Engels tried to help Bennett in the final.

Freedom for Tobias Foss
“We gave her warm, dry clothes and tried to give her as much energy as possible. He was able to come back to the final climb with Koen’s help, but after that it was really over. However, three of us were on the right track when INEOS Grenadiers made this move, ”says Engels.

Tobias Foss now seems to have carte blanche – photo: Cor Vos

Tobias Foss was eventually allowed to drive at his own expense in the final, after Bennett retired. The young Norwegian managed to limit the damage and now occupies eighteenth place in the standings, 1:53 behind rosette carrier Valter. Engels: “In the end, we decided that Tobias could give it a try. What Tobias has shown is a good performance.

“He was right behind. Above all, he must continue to do so. Besides, everyone has finished well and we will have to make other plans for the rest of this Giro.