As Sam Bennett approached the finishing line at the Champs-Élysées, every Irish supporter was cheering the Carrick-on-Suir native to the rafters, none more so than his grandfather.
Sam Bennett has capped an incredible three weeks by becoming the first Irish rider to take home a Tour de France classification of any colour in 31 years.
In doing so, the Carrick-on-Suir man emulated his compatriot, Sean Kelly, who claimed the famed maillot vert for the fourth and final time in 1989
What's even more impressive is that the Quikspet rider did it in style, winning the final stage up the Champs Elysees. In doing so, Bennett beat world champion Mads Pedersen and Peter Sagan to cross the line.
While an element of tension was taken out of the final stretch after Bennett's main rival, Peter Sagan, failed to contest the intermediate sprint in the middle of the final stage in Paris, there was still plenty of drama to witness as Bennett emphatically picked up 11 points to make his victory absolutely certain.
Watching on from home was Bennett's grandad, Pat Cashin, as he cheered his grandson to victory on the final stage.
Tipp FM have reported that the 89-year-old would have been at the finishing line in Paris, had it not been for COVID-19.
Well, despite that particular setback, it appears that Mr Cashin was the proudest man in Ireland this afternoon.
Take a look.
“Come on Sam!” @Sammmy_Be’s grandad, Pat Cashin, cheers his grandson on to victory on the final stage of the Tour de France!
Had it not been for Covid, 89yo Pat would have there in person.
Full interview on #TippToday in the morning. pic.twitter.com/XqEKgKFmOm— Tipp FM (@TippFM) September 20, 2020
Speaking with Eurosport after the win, Bennett said: "I can't tell you how excited I am. Green jersey, the Champs Elysees, world championships of sprinting. I never thought I'd ever be able to win this stage and to do it in green is so special. To do it with my dream team and to go on a quick step. The way the boys rode all day, they're fantastic. It's just so amazing, the feeling. I can't thank people enough.
"All the suffering through the mountains, it's so worth it now. All the years coming up, trying to make it. It took me so long to get here, I'm sorry if I'm coming across as too arrogant, but I'm just going to enjoy every moment of it."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
