Ireland's Bennett Takes Home Green
Ireland's Sam Bennett has taken home the Green jersey from the Tour De France. The Tipperary man took the Yellow Jersey in the 10th and final stages of the race. Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar took the top place overall bring him the Yellow Jersey, having won 3 stages over the course of the race, stages 9, 15 and 20.
Sam Bennett said on taking green said: “I can’t tell you how I feel, standing here as a winner with the green jersey on the Champs-Elysées. This is the world championship of the sprinters. I never thought I’d win this stage, so to win it in the green jersey, it’s fantastic! I’m part of a dream team. It’s just such an amazing feeling."
On winning the Tour de France Tadek Pogacar said: “It’s unbelievable. It’s really crazy to be the winner of the Tour de France. Even if I’d come second or further in the ranking, it would still be nice to be here. This is just the top of the top. I can’t describe it with words. Today was a very special day with my team-mates. Finally I had some time to talk with them on the bike. The other days, it was just racing full gas. I think every rider from the peloton congratulated me today. This sport is amazing!”
The Irish Minsiter for Sport, Catherine Martin, said today: “I am delighted to congratulate Sam Bennett on winning the prestigious green jersey at the Tour de France. This year’s race was particularly demanding and holding off seven time winner Peter Sagan to retain the green jersey from Stage 10 was a fantastic achievement. To win with one of his dream teams as a child must make the victory all the more satisfying and I have no doubt that his teammates at Deceuninck–Quick-Step, his family and friends and everyone in Carrick-on-Suir are extremely proud of him today.”