German TV deal points to likely Tour de France debut for Sam Bennett

The odds of Sam Bennett riding his first Tour de France have received a boost this week after race organisers ASO announced it had secured a two-year deal with the television station ARD.

The arrangement will see the race return to free-to-air TV in Germany, ending a hiatus which began in 2012 when both ARD and ZDF withdrew their coverage. That decision was based on several years of scandals in the sport, but due to increased confidence in cycling plus negotiations with ASO, governing body the UCI and others, a deal has been reached.

The significance for Bennett is his Bora-Argon 18 team is a German pro continental squad which needs a wildcard invitation to the race. It was given a slot last year, and now looks almost certain to gain access once again due to its nationality plus its German backing.

Bennett’s team manager Ralph Denk recognises his team’s prospects of being in the race have taken a jump.

“ARD’s decision shows that German cycling has accomplished a successful turnaround over the past few years. A new generation of riders is blazing a trail for a cleaner sport.

“We have contributed our small part in this, and have shown that in a few years top riders can be developed out of up-and-coming talent – and in a completely clean way.”

Bennett was passed over for selection last year as the team was taking a general classification-centred approach with Leopold Konig, who finished seventh, and because it wanted to protect first-year pro Bennett from doing too much, too soon. However the sprinter proved his ability in other races, winning three UCI events plus a kermesse.

Opportunity

Speaking to

The Irish Times

, Bennett said: “I didn’t get an opportunity last year, but hopefully this year I will, and I really hope to be ready for it.”

The Bora Argon 18 squad will learn this month if they are on the wildcard list.

If Bennett starts Ireland could in theory have its highest ever representation of Tour riders in the race this year. Dan Martin (Cannondale-Garmin), Nicolas Roche and Philip Deignan (both Team Sky) have a strong chance of selection by their teams, while former Irish road-race champion Matt Brammeier is awaiting confirmation that he will be given a place with a team that is tipped to ride the event.