George Bennett finished 15th in the Clasica San Sebastian today in Spain. Steven Kruijswijk began as leader of Team LottoNL-Jumbo, but when he noticed that he didn’t have the power to perform in the final part of the race, the New Zealander had the freedom to go for his chances. Bauke Mollema (Trek - Segafredo) soloed over the final eight kilometres to win.

“It was a predictable race,” Sports Director Addy Engels said. “With such a tough climb in the final part of it, you know it’s going to happen at that point. We went for Steven Kruijswijk’s chances. The men brought him to that point quite well. Especially Wilco Kelderman covered him until the end. On that point, Steven Kruijswijk seemed to be strong, but missed the overdrive you need in the final part of a classic race. George Bennett had the freedom to try to stay with the leaders and finished in the group that sprinted for the 11th spot. That’s a good performance of him.”

Strange

Bennett didn’t see that result coming. “It was quite a strange day,” he added. “I felt bad in the beginning, but it didn’t worsen. We raced well with the team, but had to change plans already early in the final part of the race. This 15th place isn’t a great result, but I’m happy with it.”