The Nelson cyclist George Bennett has finished third on the latest stage of the Tour of Poland.
Bennett, who missed last month's Tour de France, was three seconds behind the winner of stage four and he is now third in the overall standings.
George Bennett Photo: LottoNLJumbo
Bennett says he's enjoying the Tour as he prepares for the Vuelta a Espana later this month.
"The entire team did a great job today", said Bennett who looked back at the stage with satisfaction.
"The team perfectly protected me throughout the day. Everyone really contributed. In the end, we still were with three men in the front group. Enrico did a great job putting me in a good position for the final climb. That climb was very steep, so you had to be smart in the way you used your energy and not to be in the front too early. It was a climb for punchers, so not really suitable for me. I'm happy with this third place. It's a confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction towards the Vuelta."
Local champion Michal Kwiatkowski won the 179km stage and is also the overall Tour leader.
Bennett, who rides for the Dutch Lotto team, is 10 seconds off the pace overall.
There are another three stages remaining.
