Sam Bennett gave the clearest indication yet that his future will lie away from Bora-Hansgrohe after winning stage 3 of the Criterium du Dauphine with an unstoppable sprint into Rion. The Irish rider is out of contract at the end of this season and was left off the Bora roster for the Giro d’Italia despite winning three stages last year. Bennett was keen to return to the Corsa Rosa but was passed over for Pascal Ackermann, who won two stages and claimed the points jersey. Bennett is also set to miss out on a Tour de France spot this July, although he will race the Vuelta a Espana in August. After winning in Riom and taking his victory tally to seven on the year, Bennett stated that he had received offers from several teams. He was asked directly by Cyclingnews as to what his future held and about his chances of re-signing with his current team. Although he did not rule out a contract extension, his answer was telling nonetheless.ADVERTISEMENT “For next year I’m just talking to teams and trying to find teams that can best support me and give me the race programme that I’m looking for,” he said. “I want to grow as a rider, and I think there are a few offers on the table. I want to be able to show myself, and I don’t want to be stuck behind any other riders. It’s a tough decision, but there are a few options. Time is ticking, of course, but I just need to see. I’m not getting any younger, and I feel like I’m coming into my best years and it’s important that the doors are open.” The French publication L’Equipe opened a line of questioning with a similar theme during the press conference, asking Bennett if his victory in the Dauphine was in anyway a response after being left at home for the Giro and the upcoming Tour de France.
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