Paris-Nice cycling news 2021 - 'Brilliant' Sam Bennett wins Stage 5 with perfectly timed sprint

Updated 11/03/2021 at 16:58 GMT

Deceuninck-QuickStep's Sam Bennett powered to a perfectly-timed sprint to take Stage 5 of Paris-Nice in very fine fashion in Bollene. The Irishman produced an exquisite finish with a burst that his rivals simply could not match as he ended the 200.2km stage in ruthless fashion despite a bunch sprint which threw up a number of challengers.

Watch 'brilliant' Bennett's stunning sprint finish on Stage 5

Sam Bennett of Deceuninck-Quick Step produced a quite brilliant sprint to storm to victory on Stage 5 of Paris-Nice.

The Irishman came through in 5:16.01 with a perfectly-timed burst to pip Nacer Bouhanni and Pascal Ackermann in clinical fashion.

Primoz Roglic now holds an overall lead of 31 seconds over closest challenger Maximilian Schachmann as he kept a close hold on the yellow jersey.

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The 200.2km stage from Vienne to Bollene proved very demanding with Bennett both exhausted and relieved after he was able to clinch the win.

"The guys were incredible today," Bennett said after the win in his snap interview.

'The guys were incredible today' - Bennett delighted with Stage 5 win

"I was suffering today and it was a very hard climb. I didn't think I would hold it, but the guys did an incredible job.

"Some (riders) won't let me follow my own train for some reason, they don't concentrate on their own sprint.

"It was a very hard final, I didn't think I would hold it to the line but I'm proud I finished it off."

Stage winner Team Deceuninck rider Ireland's Sam Bennett celebrates on the podium at the end of the 5th stage of the 79th Paris - Nice cycling race, 200 km between Vienne and Bollene

Image credit: Getty Images

It was Deceuninck-QuickStep's 10th win of the season so far and Bennett's second in the race after he won the opening stage in style.

Roglic’s lieutenant Tony Martin suffered a fall with 35 kilometres remaining and was forced to abandon, just three days after team-mate George Bennett split his helmet in a big crash on Stage 2.