La Vuelta 2022 - Sam Bennett edges pulsating sprint in Utrecht to claim stunning Stage 2 victory

Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) stormed to an inspired victory on Stage 2 of La Vuelta a Espana in what was a thrilling sprint in front of a raucous crowd in Utrecht. The in-form Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was tipped by many to edge the final sprint, but it was Bennett who prevailed in a desperate burst to the line as the Irishman took a very memorable win.

Ad Mads Pedersen took second place for Trek-Segafredo, while Merlier had to settle for third place to round out the podium after what was a wild finish to the day's racing. European ChampionshipsJakobsen strikes gold for Dutch in men's road race14/08/2022 AT 15:15 Following Jumbo-Visma's utterly dominant triumph in the team time trial on Friday evening, journeyman Robert Gesink proudly sported the red jersey on the punchy, flat 175.1km blast from a breezy 's-Hertogenbosch.

Strange tactics from Alpecin–Deceuninck ensured the peloton drifted unpredictably for much of the day's racing through the Dutch countryside before the seemingly interminable preparation for the final sprint. It was a day of little drama until the entertaining climax in Utrecht where the jubilant fans created an atmosphere to savour for the riders, but the pace set was both gruelling and relentless.

Merlier appeared to be in the perfect position from which to launch a decisive sprint to the finish, but Bennett managed to seal the victory with some brilliant timing and placement when it really mattered. 'Lovely to see' — Classy gesture praised as Jumbo-Visma hand 'gift' victory to Gesink 'They're annoying me now!' — Blythe compares Jumbo-Visma to Ineos after latest signings Opinion: Team time trial discipline makes welcome but subdued return to La Vuelta The 31-year-old Irishman found his top form