Bayern Rundfahrt: Bennett wins stage 3 in Ebern

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Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon 18) took his second stage win at the Bayern Rundfahrt after winning stage 3 in Ebern on Friday. The Irishman sprinted to the stage win, this time edging out Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) and Ramunas Navardauskas (Cannondale-Garmin).

"The was quite hectic," Bennett said. "We were all together on the last five kilometers and I tried, despite the high speed, to put myself in a good position, which wasn't easy at all. I kicked it quite late, only 100 m before the finish. It was real tough final. My team again did a great job. I am happy to have conquered the yellow jersey once again. But in the time trial I don't see many chances for me, to defend my lead. Anyway, it's so fun to race here in Bavaria. The streets are awesome, the atmosphere is awesome and the audience is completely thrilled. A great race!"

Bennett opened the stage race with a win and the overall leader's jersey, however, he lost the jersey to stage 2 winner John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin). Degenkolb finished seventh on the day. Bennett has taken back the overall lead ahead of stage 4's 26.1km time trial in Habfurt on Saturday. Bouhanni is sitting in second place overall at two seconds back and Degenkolb has slipped to third, three seconds back.

An early breakaway of five riders escaped during the opening kilometres of the day's 205km race, however, much like the last two stages, it was reeled back in as the sprinters geared up for a bunch kick to the finish line. The peloton tackled three climbs (one on each of the final finishing circuits of the race), which made for a challenging end to the stage.

The climbs, however, were not selective enough to rid the sprinters from the bunch and Bennett won the sprint to the finish line.

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