Bennett is 'walker-old' on paper, but feels squeaky young: 'Still have winning Tour stages in my grasp'

Sam Bennett, after two difficult years at BORA-hansgrohe, has parted ways with Ralph Denk's team and will officially represent the colors of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale from January 1, 2024. At the team presentation of that French team, IDLProcycling managed to strike up a conversation with the friendly Irishman, who he says is ready to flame again.

To the logical opening question, "Why this team?" the Belgian-born Bennett, who has struggled with difficult periods several times in recent seasons, has a clear answer. 'I need to be in a team where I can tap my highest level again. Last July I spoke with the team. I just needed a fresh start in a new environment. Maybe a slightly changed program will do me good as well," he says;

Being resilient as a driver is one of the most important aspects, according to Bennett

First, a quick look back at last season and the years before, which for Bennett were marked by disappointing results and several down periods (with exceptions). '2023 was actually a brutal season. No, just kidding," he can also laugh about it self-critically. 'This really wasn't what I wanted at all. I had sky-high ambitions, but I did anything but live up to them. It's really that simple. There were countless times when I was close and I seemed to be getting there, but then it just fell the wrong way again. Fortunately, I now have more knowledge about exactly what I need to improve on. I am old, but not too old. I still have enough to show for it. Moreover, I am confident that I can simply compete with the very best again.'

According to the 33-year-old sprint king (of yesteryear), it was at times difficult dealing with that succession of unlucky moments or setbacks. However, his immense resilience kept him going. 'You always have to keep fighting, despite an accumulation of bad luck and setbacks. Showing resilience is one of the most important things in cycling, otherwise I wouldn't have been here either. I've had many ups and downs in my career, but somewhere of course it remains difficult when you have such a long period of setbacks. And especially because I know what I am capable of, but I simply cannot exhibit my abilities. That's the hardest thing of all.

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'In the difficult period, I no longer rode the wattages I normally did. For example, when I went to the Tour of Guangxi in October with zero condition, I reached a peak power of 1200 watts,' he continued, detailing his account. 'That's really very low, as I was normally achieving 1500 or 1600. A difference of 400 is significant. I think it's a bit of a combination of starting the final fresher. In peak power I lost maybe only 150 watts, but maybe 250 in the run-up. Even with those lower wattages, I still rode to a podium finish in China, which proves that it will have to do with several things. So I'm also pretty sure it's all going to come back," he reiterated his boundless ambition to be back in business.

Bennett sees no chances in Tour of Flanders, but does see chances in Ghent-Wevelgem or Bruges-De Panne (and perhaps Milan-Sanremo)

Bennett's readiness to perform for team manager Vincent Lavenu's team is hinted at in almost every answer. It's not like I've really lost a lot of speed and power, so I'm convinced it can come back," he said of his lost wattage. 'For that I just have to finish the right training sessions and be able to handle the pressure well. Once you get hold of the right level of form, you're good. It's more about the road to it during the season. I talked to the team. They told me that maybe I can start the season a little later. In February, for example, so that I have enough time to prepare myself optimally. After all, it makes no sense to start hastily and fall behind. Then it is even more difficult to make the connection. I really appreciate that the team is thinking along with me.'

So where can we expect to see Bennett in 2024? Normally, the Tour de France enjoys top priority, especially since he is riding in the service of a French team. 'The classics will also become more important in 2024,' the good-humored figure adds. 'Van Rysel is our bike sponsor next year and comes from the corner where the cobbled classics are ridden. That makes it extra important. If I have a good start to the year, I could definitely focus on the classics as well. But somewhere at the beginning of the season I would prefer to win on French soil, as a kind of tribute to this French team. I also just want to be there right at the beginning of the season, to gain momentum. The sooner I win, the better.'

'But at the same time I have to remain realistic. I will never win the Tour of Flanders. However, a race like Ghent-Wevelgem or Bruges-De Panne should definitely suit me,' he grossed in realism shortly after. 'Milan-Sanremo was also normally something for me. The thing is: it's not really a sprinters' race anymore, although you very much need to be at the start there. After all, you could wake up in the morning and see on the weather report that the wind is in favor of the strong sprinters. That's definitely something I have to keep in the back of my mind. So basically I have to ride that race every year.'

Tour de France enjoys top priority with Bennett

Bennett then talks some more about that ambition in the Flemish and Italian spring. 'The past few years I've never really been able to show myself in the spring. I would like to, though there are still many things I would like to try. If I am in good shape, I am a nice climber for a sprinter. It's actually funny, because in terms of my abilities, I don't have the characteristics of a good climbing sprinter. Still, I do pretty well. As for the classics, I think with the right training I can also compete for wins in certain races. Those characteristics will have to be manipulated a bit. It's hard to find that right balance between being a mass sprinter and a classics rider, especially when you consider the strength in your muscles and the accumulation of tiring efforts you can handle. It is and always will be difficult.

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Yet during the interview it becomes increasingly clear that the Tour de France is what Bennett is most looking forward to. 'That is where I would like to return after three years of absence, with the goal of winning as many stages as possible. It's quite a clear idea. The last time I competed, I was standing on the Champs-Élysées in Paris with the green jersey around my shoulders. So I have really cool memories of that. Not being there the last three years was really sour. Now it's up to me to prove myself and show there that I can still do it. I'm ready to grab every opportunity that comes along with both hands.'

Ambitious Bennett is 33 years old, but still feels 22

Bennett is, of course, a hugely well-known figure in the sprinters' guild. In total, he has already managed to win five stages in the Vuelta a España, as well as two Tour de France stages. At his new host, he hopes to boost that victory tally a bit, along with a healthy dose of pressure and excitement. 'It's not so much the outside world that increases the pressure. I actually only do that myself. Of course I have to leave a good first impression with my new team. That gives them confidence, but also myself. It has to do with so many things. In a way, that pressure also builds up. Fortunately, I've always handled it well in my career. The pressure actually also makes you work harder, which of course can only benefit me.'

At 33 years old, Bennett is among the oldest people within Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Only Larry Warbasse and Oliver Naesen are - it's a matter of months - slightly older than the sharp man. When confronted with that fact himself, Bennett was somewhat surprised. 'I should actually be standing here with a walker or walker then, `huh,' he gives the interview another somewhat comical twist. `A sort of new Van Rysel model that would be. No kidding: I think the role of mentor in the group also suits me in a way. Still, I am someone who is more in the background in large groups. However, when it is 1-on-1, I like to help anyone who I think I can improve in certain areas. I think I have pretty good analytical skills, so I should be fine in that context. I just feel like I'm still 22 and not 33 at all, which is a weird thing.'