George Bennett will no longer compete for UAE Team Emirates next year. The Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport had already reported this news last month, but now Bennett has also announced his decision. “It’s time to move on,” said the New Zealander.
Bennett, 33 years old, has been with UAE Team Emirates since 2022, previously spending seven seasons with Jumbo-Visma. While with the Dutch team, the climber played a crucial role as the chief domestique for Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard.
However, with the UAE Team Emirates, he couldn’t replicate his performances from previous years. Bennett was brought into the team to be the main domestique for leader Tadej Pogacar. However, last year, he had to withdraw prematurely from the Tour de France due to a positive Covid-19 test, and this year, he ended up not participating in any Grand Tours.
“I’ve had some beautiful moments, but also challenging ones in recent years. I want to thank the great group of cyclists for the fun we had along the way. It was great to meet new people and make friends, but now it’s time to move on. Thank you once again!” says Bennett on social media now.
George Bennett’s next destination is still uncertain. His name had been linked to Soudal-Quickstep, but Patrick Lefevere denies it: “Many stories are appearing in the press that we would bring George Bennett to strengthen the climbing squad next year. Until further notice: at the moment, he has only been offered to me by managers from all sides.”