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George Bennett was left with a severe headache, bruises and a broken helmet after crashing on stage two in Paris-Nice on Tuesday (NZT).
But the Jumbo-Visma pilot managed to escape a serious injury or concussion, and despite feeling groggy immediately afterward, Bennett confirmed that Things which will start phase three against the clock.
Sporting his newly designed national jersey, Bennett hit the deck with 33 kilometers remaining on a narrow section of road and was visibly stunned from the heavy impact of the accident.
Bas Czerwinski / Getty Images
George Bennett, second from left, debuted in his newly designed national jersey in Paris-Nice.
After being cleared by the race doctor and given a replacement helmet, the 30-year-old was able to get back on his bike and through the pain barrier to catch up with the peloton before the finish line.
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Bennett finished the stage in 80th place, but with the same time as Tuesday’s winner, Dutch driver Bol Cees.
“He was fine after the accident, at least he said he was fine. He crashed quite hard and also broke the hull, but he was able to continue and fortunately he was able to return to the peloton, ”said Jumbo-Visma sports director Grischa Niermann.
“There was a doctor who was there, but I don’t know if the concussion protocol was followed or not. The race doctor gave the signal that he could continue ”.
Before stage two, Bennett said he was proud to don the national jersey for the first time in a race situation.
“It was nice to define it and all, but you forget pretty quickly when you have 180 guys running into a corner. But it’s definitely very special to wear the jersey, ”Bennett said.
