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It was a historic day for Sam Bennett at the Tour de France and Ronan O’Gara was there to experience the moment.
Ennett became the sixth Irishman to win a stage in the Tour de France when he crossed the line in a final sprint at Île de Ré, which is located near O’Gara’s home. The Munster legend is currently the head coach of the La Rochelle Top 14 team, explaining to Off The Ball how he had a front row seat for Bennett’s magical moment.
“The route literally passed our house,” O’Gara said.
“We were on the wall outside, we had the Irish flag around our necks, goose bumps, just amazing.”
“They flew by and then we went back on TV to see the finale,” he continued.
“It was a great day, I was incredibly proud to see it. I think when you leave Ireland you feel even more proud if that’s possible.
“Obviously I’m not into cycling very much, but I grew up in the era of Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche.”
Bennett edged Lotto Soudal’s Caleb Ewan on the line on Tuesday’s 168.5km stage 10 and his former teammate Peter Sagan was third for Bora-Hansgrohe.
Bennett’s victory makes him the sixth Irishman to win a Tour De France stage, joining Shay Elliott, Seán Kelly, Stephen Roche, Martin Earley and Dan Martin.
Bennett’s success saw him claim the green jersey while there were no major changes to the overall standings with Primoz Roglic retaining the overall lead.
Online editors
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