Ailing Bennett withdraws from La Vuelta

LottoNL-Jumbo’s George Bennett has enjoyed a breakthrough season of sorts. The 27-year-old New Zealander took two podiums and a fourth-place stage result en route to winning the Amgen Tour of California in May, but a bout with glandular fever cost him a Tour de France finish and now the Vuelta a España as well.

“George Bennett needs recovery, so won’t start,” the team tweeted prior to Stage 12 on Thursday. “Crucial to be cautious after his glandular fever and sickness in the Tour.”

Bennett also took to Twitter to express is own personal disappoint after withdrawing from the race.

“Sad to be leaving La Vuelta,” he posted. “A little too eager to come back after the tour and nothing left to give. Important to look at the big picture.”

The 2011 Tour of Wellington winner followed his tweet with another expressing his appreciation of — and support toward — the team.

“Thanks to LottoNL-Jumbo for a great few weeks and looking to my future,” Bennett tweeted. “Our Vuelta is in good hands with some real talent coming up.”

Bennett leaves behind a team led by 30-year-old Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk, who currently sits 15th at 5 minutes 50 seconds back to race leader Chris Froome (Team Sky).

For full stage and race results click here.