Vuelta a España 2022: Sam Bennett makes a successful sprint in the second stage | Vuelta a España

Dutch fans got the surprise treatment when Mike Teunissen grabbed the overall leader’s red jersey Vuelta a EspanaIreland’s Sam Bennett took a sprint finish on Saturday’s second stage.

Teunissen finished fourth in the final sprint, becoming the second Dutch leader in the overall standings after Jumbo-Visma teammate Robert Gesink took the lead on the first stage. Defending his champion Primoz Roglic remained near the top of the standings.

“It wasn’t the plan. I’ve already told you for days that I’m here mainly to look after Primoz,” Teunissen said. “Everyone surprised me a little bit this morning. If everything goes according to plan and Primoz gets to the last three kilometers safely, we’ll see if we can cross the line first.” It’s really great for me and for everyone in my home country where I live. ”

Bennett beat Mats Pedersen and Tim Merlier by the line for his first Grand Tour stage win since the 2020 Vuelta. “I thought I would do it again. It was a matter of getting the right foot,” Bennett said. “I am very happy with my level, but I think the experience and the guys made the difference today. Tomorrow we may have another sprint.

Roglic stayed inside the main peloton in an attempt to claim an unprecedented four-game winning streak of Vuelta, finishing fourth behind Sam Oomen, Edoardo Affini and Teunissen. Roglic showed no signs of being plagued by injuries that affected Vuelta’s preparations. The Slovenian is looking to join Spaniard Roberto Herrás as the only rider to win his four titles at the Vuelta.

The first three stages will take place in the Netherlands after the coronavirus pandemic disrupted plans for the past two years of racing the Vuelta. The third stage is a completely flat route and finishes with a sprint to the line.