Walls to get opportunities despite Bennett's arrival

Mancunian praised for his versatility by DS, reports Adam Becket

- Adam Becket

Matt Walls will get his own shots at glory and not just be dropped into fellow sprinter Sam Bennett’s leadout as he can “fit in anywhere” in his Bora-Hansgrohe team, DS Bernie Eisel has said.

The young sprinter, entering his second year with the German team, is expected to be given his own opportunities as well as riding for others, including Bennett.

Eisel explained: “There will be a mix of the sprinters’ groups. We have a lot of talented guys.

“I can see that Matt could do both, taking his chances but also being in a leadout. Moving in a bunch is probably easiest for him, coming from the track. It’s a learning curve for all of us, where they fit in, which races they will do together.”

Speaking at his team’s media day last week, Walls said he had improved on last year: “I’m getting stronger as a rider, a bit more experienced too. So hopefully I can get some more results this year.”

The Mancunian, who won gold in the omnium at last year’s Olympics, as well as winning sprints at the Tour of Norway and at Gran Piemonte, said he was “still trying to figure out” where he fits in as a rider.