Sam Bennett returns to success at the 4 Days of Dunkirk 2024. The sprinter of Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale imposes himself for the first time with his new jersey putting an end to a ten-month fast by imposing himself in a comeback after Pascal Ackermann (Israel – Premier Tech) had moved first in a confused and chaotic sprint. Behind the Irish rider, who thanks to the time bonuses won in these first two stages also takes the leader’s jersey, Paul Penhoët (Groupama-FDJ) and Sasha Weemaes (Bingoal-WB) close in today, who in turn manage to overtake the German, who started too long.

Stage Highlights

After twenty or so kilometers of luckless movement, the first significant attack sees Cyrus Monk (Q36.5 Pro Cycling), Maxime Jarnet (Van Rysel-Roubaix) and Robin Plamondon (CIC U Nantes Atlantique), who manage to put a couple of minutes between themselves and the peloton immediately. In their pursuit is Gwen Leclainche (Philippe Wagner/Bazin), who, however, struggles to close the gap to the lead.

After 70 kilometers of racing and a chase that does not bear fruit, Leclainche gives up his attempt and is reabsorbed by the peloton, which meanwhile has slipped to nearly 6′ from the escapees. Behind, they wait to open the throttle, and the three in the lead found themselves nearly 8′ ahead at the halfway point. At the 100km mark, however, the peloton decided to up the pace and began to decisively peg the lead of the three attackers. Cofidis, Lotto Dstny, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL, Israel-Premier Tech, and Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale work together and easily show that they can go after the leading men.

Cyrus Monk tries at that point to sprawl, going off on his own, but his action comes to an end when the finish line is still quite far away. Inevitable at that point is the bunch sprint, which also ends up being quite chaotic, with no real point of reference. Casper van Uden (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL) thus tries to play his cards by anticipating, but from behind the comeback is easy. At that point it is Pascal Ackermann (Israel – Premier Tech) who launches hostilities, however, starting too early in turn. Overtaking him at double speed is Sam Bennett (Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale), who thus sprints towards the finish line with a deadly progression, triumphing over Paul Penhoët (Groupama-FDJ), unable to get off his wheel, and Sasha Weemaes (Bingoal-WB), who followed the action from behind.