Sam Bennett admitted to having nerves before claiming his first stage victory of 2021.
The green jersey-winner at last year's Tour de France won the 4th stage of the UAE Tour in a sprint finish.
Bennett beat the challenge of David Dekker (Team Jumbo Visma) and Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal), and secured a 50th stage victory over his career.
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) retains the overall race lead, with a 0:00:43 advantage over Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers).
"It’s really good to have won because I had to wait a few day to get the opportunity," a breathless Bennett said after the stage.
What a blockbuster finish from Sam Bennet @Sammmy_Be pic.twitter.com/bSdx1GfvZy
— UAE Tour Official (@uae_tour) February 24, 2021
"I was really nervous before the sprint. It was my first bunch sprint of the season.
"Fortunately, I only had to follow the guys. They did as fantastic job, each one of them. It’s great to finish it off today.
"This is my 50th pro win, it’s really nice to get that first win of the season.
"I could see they were going to the right and the right was the shortest line, but I couldn’t risk going up and having to hit the brakes, so I had to go the longest way around. Fortunately, I could carry enough speed."
Sam Bennet interview after winning the stage pic.twitter.com/KJpgOi6DwH
— UAE Tour Official (@uae_tour) February 24, 2021
With Thursday's stage entering the mountains, Bennett will be seeking out further successes in the final two stages of the race on Friday and Saturday.
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