Bennett previously finished second in the national road championship twice and he also finished second in the time trial on Friday with a 0.7 seconds difference. Today he had to give it his all when a large leading group left the peloton early in the race. From the moment Bennett joined the leading group, he seized every opportunity to attack. “I went hard up the hill a few times, but I felt like everyone was better than me. I told myself to stay calm and weather it out. I just kept going until finally no one came with me”, Bennet says.

Bennett launched the decisive attack eight kilometres from the finish line and soloed to victory with a lead of almost two minutes. “Honestly it has not sunk in yet. I was down and out a week ago and wrote myself off. Then I had a really good TT on Friday and that really picked me up. I have been trying to get this title for ten years. I have always wanted to win this jersey and to be able to wear it with my team all year round in the WorldTour is so special. I am proud to wear that jersey – take it to Europe and represent New Zealand Cycling. That is very special.”