La Vuelta: 'Totally crazy' – Sean Kelly blasts Trek-Segafredo after failing to pass on news about Sam Bennett

Sean Kelly has blasted Trek-Segafredo after star rider Mads Pedersen revealed he was not told about the withdrawal of green jersey rival Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) before Tuesday’s individual time trial at La Vuelta. Pedersen began Stage 10’s dash from Elche to Alicante with a five-point lead over Bennett in the points classification, prompting him to go “all in” over the 30.9km course to ensure he kept the jersey. The fastest 15 riders were set to score points.

Ad However his exertions proved unnecessary given Bennett had earlier failed to appear on the start ramp, with Bora later confirming the Irishman had abandoned the race with Covid. Vuelta a EspañaBennett fails to start TT, seven others out as Covid rips through peloton3 HOURS AGO “I didn’t save anything,” admitted Pedersen. “I didn’t know that Sam was out with Covid.

I went all in today to try to get points but if I knew before that he wouldn’t be at the start line, I might have taken it a bit more easy. “I just hope I managed to do a top 15 today to get a few points.” La Vuelta GC standings Latest Vuelta news Kelly was surprised that Bennett’s absence was not mentioned to Pedersen by his team, given a hard ride could harm his bid to win future stages. Wednesday’s Stage 11 is one for the sprinters and in Bennett’s absence, Pedersen would fancy himself for victory.

The Dane finished second behind Bennett on Stage 2 and Stage 3 during the Dutch ‘gran salida’. “It’s totally crazy to hear that the team did not relay him the information,” began Kelly. “When you consider that tomorrow’s stage is a stage for the sprinters and we have seen Pederson against Bennett – he is a guy who can win a stage against the real fast men.