Sam Bennett back in form with two in two at the Vuelta

Irishman back to his best as he targets green points jersey

- Adam Becket

Almost two years on from his last Grand Tour victory, Sam Bennett of Bora-Hansgrohe made a golden start to the Vuelta a España last weekend, winning two consecutive stages.

It was a near-perfect start to the race for the Irishman, who has endured a difficult 18 months due to injury and an apparent lack of confidence, but looks close to his best once again.

Stage two saw Bennett accelerate cleanly to the line in Utrecht, pipping Trek-Segafredo’s Mads Pedersen to take just his second win of the season.

“I’m on my way back, I’m close, but I think this Vuelta will definitely be the key to bring me back to my top level,” he said after his first victory. “Here I’ll have that hard racing, be able to go deep, and get my strength back so I can be really consistent. I’m close but this should be the turning point.”