George Bennett signs with UAE Team Emirates
George Bennett signs with UAE Team Emirates
After seven years at Jumbo-Visma, George Bennett will join UAE-Team Emirates next year, marking yet another big signing for the latter squad in what has already been a very busy transfer season.
The 31-year-old New Zealander, whose career palmares include two Grand Tour top 10s, an overall victory at the Tour of California, a one-day win at last year’s Gran Piemonte, and a runner-up ride at Il Lombardia, is headed to the UAE team on a two-year deal.
UAE-Team Emirates announced the signing on Tuesday, confirming what happened been rumored going back several weeks now.
“I’m really excited about my move to UAE Team Emirates. I’m looking forward to helping the team reach new heights across many races. I have seen the team take huge steps forward every year and this progression is something i really want to be a part of,” Bennett said in a press release.
“It’s also nice to link up with Finn Fisher-Black, as we both come from the same hometown in New Zealand. There’s an exciting group of young guys coming through at UAE and it’s great to be joining that environment and bringing my experience to the team.”
Bennett will arrive alongside several other notables as UAE Team Emirates is making significant additions to its roster for 2021. In Bennett and fellow newcomers Marc Soler and João Almeida, the team will have new options to support defending Tour de France champ Tadej Pogačar or to lead the way themselves in stage races. The team has also recently announced the signings of Pascal Ackermann and Álvaro Hodeg.
“George is one of the best climbers in the peloton and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team. He brings a lot of experience and we feel he can play a pivotal role both through his sporting qualities and also as a reference for some of our younger riders,” said team principal Mauro Gianetti.
“Our expectation is that he will have his own opportunities but will also contribute his quality to working in a team role when called upon. We’re very pleased to have him on board as we continue to grow as a team.”
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