2010 season roundup - George Bennett

Aug 26th, 10. What better way to kick start the 2010 season round-up series than by sharing George Bennett's news about his new contract for 2011.

Bennett - a top young Kiwi climber ©Roadcycling.co.nz

The 20 year old climber didn't get his desired win this season, but he performed well and was rewarded with a contract for 2011 with VC La Pomme Marseilles.

"If you follow bike racing you will know la Pomme Marseilles. They are generally regarded as one of the world's best amateur teams. I think they have won most races around Europe in the last few years, so I'm truly excited to be part of it all," Bennett said.

31 riders from the club have turned pro, including 2 or 3 from the current year's team.

"I started talking with some teams back in May. I wasn't 100% sure what direction I wanted to head. I was considering Belgium, Switzerland and America, but in the end the south of France gave me the best option and to leave Europe now seemed crazy. I think the fact American teams come here for races, says everything it needs to about racing in Europe."

2010 Season round up

Best ride or result of the season?
Best young rider Ronde d l 'Isard (2.2)

Next races / goals before the end of the international season, if any?

Tour du Loir Pillat this weekend, not a huge race but hard. Then on the plane home, a week at home then off to Australia for Tour of Tasmania and a few others in preparation for Worlds (if I make the cut).

Best experience (on or off the bike)?
Racing up Aix 3 Domains in the Pyrenees, one of the world's most beautiful places.

Did you achieve your goals for the international season?
Yes and no. I made some good progress, but didn't get the big win I was looking for. At the end of the day I guess I ended up where I needed to, and overall I'm happy and surprised how it worked out.

When are you back in NZ, and where will you be?
Properly home on the 4th October, living with the parents in Nelson.

 
What's the thing you like most about coming home after a season on the road?

Definitely seeing the friends and whanau. I left at the start of February so It will be close to 9 months without getting amongst it. The other great thing is just being a full member of society again, in France often you just live to train and race.

What's the first major Kiwi food addiction you have to quell upon landing?

Mum's lasagne and a dirty greasy pie.

What are you goals for the NZ summer season of racing?

On the racing front, nearly goalless. I guess the races I ride I will try hard, and a lack of big goals doesn't mean I can't take some good results.

Apart from the Elite Nationals I think I will be very quiet. It is more important for me to get a year's worth of being a normal 20 year old in just 4 months. I have to be back in France by mid January so 2011 will be a very long year if I haven't chilled out in NZ summer - mentally it will be a very hard season - so my goals don't really involve bikes.

If you would like to share your plans for 2011, please feel free to (if you can).

VC La Pomme Marseilles, happy I've signed a good team with the best races for me. I think it will be a year of opportunities.

Related articles

• Bennett Best Young Rider in Ronde de l'Isard

All season round-ups to date: Emma Crum, Ruaraidh McLeod, Michael Torckler, Tom David,  Daniel Barry, Patrick Bevin,  Wade Mangham, Taylor Gunman,  George Bennett, Jason Allen.