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Sam Bennett claimed victory on the Champs Elysees after securing the green jersey on the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris when Tadej Pogacar came home in yellow to cap off an extraordinary weekend.
The 29-year-old reached a top speed of 66.1 km / h in the group finale to beat world champion Mads Pedersen and claim his second Tour stage victory, having completed the points classification in the intermediate sprint. of the 122 km stage. of Mantes-la-Jolie.
It made Bennett the first Irishman to win a main jersey in one of three Grand Tours since Sean Kelly won green on the Tour for the fourth and final time in 1989.
Bennett launched his sprint early and briefly looked like he could be overtaken by the persevering Pedersen, but he would not be denied in the race that all sprinters want to win more.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am,” Bennett said. “The green jersey and the Champs-Elysées, the world speed championships. I never thought I could win this stage and doing it in the green is so special.
“And also doing it with the team of my dreams, Deceuninck-QuickStep, the way the guys pedaled all day was fantastic. The feeling is so incredible, I can’t thank everyone enough.”
President Michael D Higgins was one of those who offered their congratulations.
“My compliments to Sam Bennett, @Sammy_Be, about his victory on the Champs Elysees today.
Winning two stages and the green jersey on one of the toughest Tours in recent years is a huge achievement, and will be celebrated by all Irish cycling and sports enthusiasts. “– President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) September 20, 2020
Green was the only qualification left to be determined after Pogacar’s incredible race in Saturday’s time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles saw the Slovenian secure the yellow jersey, as well as the King of the Mountains polka dots and best white. of the young pilot on his Tour. debut.
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