Deceuninck-Quick Step reloads at sprinter position with Sam Bennett

Irish sprinter Sam Bennett has finally signed with Deceuninck-Quick Step, something that has been in the works for months. Bennett, leaving Bora-Hangrohe after six seasons, had 11 WorldTour victories in 2019, more than sprinters Dylan Groenewegen or Elia Viviani or Caleb Ewan.

We are very happy to announce that both @Sammmy_Be and @Theflyingmullet have signed with UCI World Team Classification winner Deceuninck – Quick-Step, thus completing our 2020 roster: https://t.co/JvvNxyld4P
Welcome to #TheWolfpack, guys!
Photo: Sigfrid Eggers pic.twitter.com/Htuzb1cAMz

— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) December 3, 2019

Bennett has a two-year contract. Quick Step also signed “The Flying Mullet”, Kiwi Shane Archbold, from Bora-Hansgrohe for two seasons.

The Wolfpack refreshes at the sprinter position, bringing in Bennett to replace Elia Viviani, who is off to WorldTour returnee Cofidis. Bennett and young Colombian Alvaro Hodeg will be the team’s fast men. Hodeg was badly injured in an early October race.

Bennett joins an impressive list of recent Quick Step sprinters. Viviani was the main man from 2018 to 2019. Fernando Gaviria served with distinction from 2015 to 2018. Marcel Kittel had 26 wins in 2016 and 2017. Mark Cavendish racked up the victories from 2013 to 2015.

After being left out of Bora’s Giro d’Italia and Tour de France squads, Bennett endeavoured to leave the team even though he had signed an offer letter to stay on. Squad management finally announced he was free to go on November 7.

The WorldTour begins on January 21 with the Tour Down Under.