A devastated Sam Bennett missed out on his third stage win in the Giro d'Italia by a matter of inches on a rain-soaked day.
The Irish cyclist did not look like winning as he headed into the final 500 metres, finding himself boxed in and about ten places behind the leader.
In the pouring rain he somehow got himself into contention but could only take second place in a thrilling finish.
A frantic sprint finish ends in victory for @eliaviviani in the treacherous conditions 💦#Giro101 pic.twitter.com/vWLmNi3c9C
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 23, 2018
A disconsolate Bennett spoke to Eurosport after crossing the finish line:
I had a few slips and just lost the nerve. I just couldn't get out. I had the legs again and I couldn't get out.
Yeah... I don't know... Just timing, like.
I was coming from behind and I just ran out of road.
When the Belgian-born rider was told he has done everyone at home proud, he had a look on his face that suggested he felt he had in fact let everyone down. Lacking the ability to put his feelings into words, he simply responded:
Yeah, yeah... I just put a lot into it.
'I just ran out of road' @Sammmy_Be is absolutely gutted after losing stage 17 to his points jersey @eliaviviani#Giro101 pic.twitter.com/xgL1vXcQ1M
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 23, 2018
The most disappointing aspect of the day was losing out to Elia Viviani, the points leader. The Italian, who timed his sprint to perfection to pick up his fourth stage win of the race, is the current owner of the Maglia Ciclamino, or Purple Jersey.
Barring a complete disaster from Viviani, it is unlikely that Bennett will overtake him in the leader-board.
The Waterford native has had a successful Giro to date nonetheless, winning two stages and being the first Irishman in contention for a jersey since the days of Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly.
As for General Classification, Simon Yates retained the Maglia Rosa and should win the overall Giro d'Italia with just three days to go.
