Top Kiwi cyclist George Bennett is still battling illness as he prepares for a tough three weeks at the Vuelta a Espana, the last Grand Tour of the season.
The 27-year old was confirmed overnight as a starter for his LottoNL-Jumbo team, although his gruelling Spanish adventure could be very different to his other recent successes in Europe.
Bennett has struggled to shake off the virus he suffered at the back end of the Tour de France, which forced him to abandon the race.
"It's been a pretty rocky approach to the Vuelta," Bennett told Newshub.
The Nelson climber was one of the most talked-about riders on the Tour after impressive performances in the mountains. He was on track for a historic top 10 finish before the illness struck.
After spending a couple of weeks in bed, things were looking up for Bennett. However, as he prepared to head up the mountains for a pre-Vuelta training camp, the persistent illness came back. He had to take antibiotics as a sore throat flared up and his glands swelled up.
Consequently, his preparation for the glamour race, which gets underway this weekend, has taken a hit.
"Normally I go to the mountains and do 30-hour weeks on the bike at altitude. This time I've gone five weeks without training properly and lying in bed, so it's a left-field approach and we'll see if it works out."
His role in the team has also been affected. Bennett was in line for another crack at the general classification, as one of the leaders in the team. But with his poor health, he's put his hand up to take a back seat, and instead support Steven Kruijswijk. The Dutch rider has gone close to the podium in the past, finishing fourth in last year's Giro d'Italia.
"It's bloody disappointing, but if you start the Vuelta disappointed then it's going to be a really long three weeks," Bennett said. "I'm just trying to stay optimistic and see what happens."
Bennett is now focussing on the future, and hoping to bank the Tour as valuable experience. He's also likely to be given more licence to get in the breakaway, and potentially chase a stage win.
"I don't have any expectations. I'm going in looking to the future, looking to build. I've still got an important role in helping out the younger guys and it'll be good to get another Grand Tour in the legs."
It'll be a big test for Bennett, with this year's route featuring nine summit finishes and a brutal climb up the Alto de los Machucos.
"The last week-and-a-half is just seriously big mountains... it's an awesome route. If I was in good nick this is the kind of thing I'd absolutely dream of."
Bennett won't be the only Kiwi lining up, with Sam Bewley confirmed to start the race for Australian team Orica-Scott. Aaron Gate and Tom Scully are also in line to make their Grand Tour debuts.
Newshub.
