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Division 4 National League Preview

There are only three games going ahead in the Division 4 National League this weekend due to London’s continued unavailability. All games have an important say in who will be promoted though. Firstly, the winner of Wexford vs Wicklow will secure themselves a Division 3 place. Next, Limerick will join them if they overcome Sligo. However, if the Connacht side win, they have an outside chance of squeezing into the top two. Likewise, Antrim are in the hunt for promotion but need to beat Waterford.

Last weekend, Wicklow were emphatic against Antrim. Their seven-goals was enough to win a game in itself. As a result, they are tied top of Division 4 and need one of the favourites for promotion.

But, Wexford returned to action with a win of their own. Despite going to Limerick with a depleted squad, they ran out three-point winners. That was a much-needed confidence boost for a team that has been shrouded with uncertainty. Paul Galvin stepped away as manager just a month before the restart. Then, four positive Covid-19 tests ruled out a host of players for Galvin’s replacement Shane Roche. With this in mind, Wexford’s win last weekend is even more impressive. If they can carry that momentum into round 7, they will see themselves in Division 3 next season.

Prediction: Wicklow.

Limerick could have sealed promotion with a result over Wexford. Instead, they need to defeat Sligo to go up to Division 3. They hit just three first-half points against Wexford. In fact, it took a triple substitution at the midpoint to give the Munster men a boost. Billy Lee will be keen to ensure his team start quicker this time around.

Sligo will relish the battle with Limerick. In their own restart, they lost to Carlow at the death. As a result, their promotion hopes have thinned. Yet, a win over Limerick would give make it possible. Paul Taylor’s side face Galway in the Championship two weeks later. A promotion would provide his team with much-welcome encouragement heading into this one. They have nothing to gain from a draw. So, expect them to play off the cuff.

Prediction: Limerick.

On Thursday morning, Waterford issued a lengthy statement announcing their concession of the round 7 game against Antrim. The statement cited players’ concerns over needing to isolate after travelling north of the border as the reason. However, Antrim have since offered to sacrifice their home game in order to fulfil the fixture.

As a result, the game will now take place in Dundalk. Antrim could have taken the two points from Waterford without even playing. But, they instead stated their desire to win the game in a deserving manner:  “We believe that the integrity of the league needs to be upheld. If we are good enough to collect two points we will do it in a fair and manly manner on the field of play.”

This game is effectively a dead-rubber for Waterford. Still, it is an opportunity to get some match practice ahead of the Championship. They play Limerick the following week in the Munster quarter-final.

A victory for Antrim will put them in the promotion mix. It’s a big ask though as other results also need to go their way. Last week, their thrashing at the hands of Wicklow left much to be desired.

Prediction: Antrim.

Division 4 National League: (All games throw-in at 2pm on Saturday, October 24th) 

Wexford vs Wicklow (Chadwick’s Wexford Park).

Sligo vs Limerick (Markievicz Park).

Antrim vs Waterford (Dundalk).

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https://twitter.com/wicklowgaa/status/1318087918687223808

Dublin vs Laois: Hurling Championship Preview Starting Team, Live scores

Last year, Dublin vs Laois saw the Dubs knocked out of the Championship at the preliminary quarter-final stage. After great performances that saw them qualify from their group ahead of Galway, they were stunned by Laois. The two-point win put Laois on the map as a hurling county. With that in mind, there is sure to be some added spice to this year’s tie.

CLICK HERE FOR DUBLIN V LAOIS LIVE SCORES

Dublin captain Chris Cumney is personally looking forward to the resumption of GAA Championships: “You realise how lucky we are and how massive an opportunity it is to play championship in the winter months. We’re very grateful for the GAA and public health authorities giving it the go-ahead.”

Cumney underwent surgery in February and was on tight schedule to return for the initial Championship dates. Now, he has had a chance to do is rehab and is looking forward to the knock-out format.

On the other hand, Laois have proven they can win this fixture and will be excited to try and replicate the feat. The defeated side enter the qualifiers. Therefore, any team has the chance to play off the cuff and teams like Laois will undoubtedly do so.

Both these counties’ U20 sides won in midweek. But, the remainder of that Championship has been postponed. Therefore, either management squad may make use of their youngsters.

The winner plays a week later in the Leinster semi-final against Kilkenny.

Team News

Dublin (Laois) Alan Nolan, Paddy Smith, Eoghan O’Donnell, James Madden, Conor Burke, Daire Gray, Cian O’Callaghan, Sean Moran, Rian McBride, Cian Boland, Chris Crummey, Danny Sutcliff, Donal Burke, David Keogh and Ronan Hayes

Laois (Dublin): Enda Rowland; Lee Cleere, Sean Downey, Donnchadh Hartnett; Ronan Broderick, Padraig Delaney, Ryan Mullaney; Fiachra C Fennell, Patrick Purcell; Aaron Dunphy, Willie Dunphy, James Ryan; James Keyes, Ross King, Stephen Maher.

Sky Sports are showing the game live.

Predition: Dublin. Last year’s defeat will be in the back of their mind and will be an extra incentive. However, Laois know defeat would mean a short season and they would love a crack at Kilkenny. It will be every bit as close as last year but we expect Dublin to qualify.

Dublin vs Laois: Leinster Hurling Championship. Saturday, October 24th, 6pm (Croke Park). 

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Sir Dragonet defeats Armory in the 100th Ladbrokes Cox Plate

Sir Dragonet beat his former stablemate Armory to land the 100th Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley this morning. The favourite Russian Camelot finished in third.

The winning four-year-son of Camelot was second to Magical in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh in June. Sir Dragonet is now trained jointly by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and was previously handled by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle. Ozzie Kerr bought the colt from the Coolmore partners Ozzie Kerr last August.

This morning’s victory was a first Ladbrokes Cox Plate for former jump jockey Ciaron Maher, who has previously won four Grand Annual Steeplechases.

Even though he hadn’t won since the 2019 Chester Vase, Sir Dragonet was sent off at 13-2 for the 10-furlong weight-for-age Group 1.

Sir Dragonet broke slowly

Though Sir Dragonet broke slowly from stall 6, Boss found himself towards the rear of midfield for much of the AUD$5 million 14-runner contest.

Grandslam led until just before the home bend with Russian Camelot (5/2f) moving into contention. The favourite briefly led two furlongs out, with Irish challenger Armory (13/2) looking comfortable.

Glen Boss moved Sir Dragonet off the rail as they entered the home straight and the former Ballydoyle inmate powered clear to win by a comfortable length-and-a-half. Aidan O’Brien’s Armory outstaying the Irish-bred Russian Camelot for the runner-up spot.

Hugh Bowman was the intended rider for Sir Dragonet. When he got suspended Glen Boss was called in to replace him.

Boss said after winning his fourth Cox Plate:

“This is unbelievable. I couldn’t have scripted the run any better. He was up for the task.”

Joseph O’Brien’s Buckhurst, who only got into the race yesterday on the withdrawal of Magic Wand, finished 10th.

Sir Dragonet’s Ladbrokes Cox Plate now guarantees him a place in the Melbourne Cup on 2 November.

This morning’s result was a victory for Coolmore as the first three horses are by the Tippperary stud’s stallions. The winner and third are by Camelot, while Armory, the runner-up is by Galileo.

Kerry vs Donegal: Division 1 – Preview, starting teams & live scores

Last weekend’s results saw some major changes in the Division 1 table. Kerry’s win on the road against Monaghan sees them in the driving seat. Now, they are just a point in the lead but they have the home advantage in round 7. Meanwhile, Donegal distanced themselves from relegation with a win over Tyrone. In fact, they could even find themselves in the top two if results go their way. Kerry vs Donegal has a 2pm throw-in on Saturday.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES

Kerry’s efficiency in front of goal saw them cruise to victory in Monaghan. David Clifford returned to regularly scheduled shooting with 0-6. Likewise, Tony Brosnan contributed 0-3 to put his hand up for selection.

In addition, defenders Jason Foley, Gavin White and Paul Murphy all found the target to add some threat from deep. When they play Donegal, these driving runs will be needed to penetrate the ’45.

However, Donegal have plenty of attacking options in their own right. Jamie Brennan and Niall O’Donnell scored 1-4 between them from the half-forward line. In addition to this, Ryan McHugh reminded everyone why he’s among the best with 0-3 from wing-back.

If Kerry’s half-backs match up with Donegal’s half-forwards as they should on paper, this game will be free-flowing. Donegal have nothing to lose. As a result, we may see them take the game to Kerry and make the Kingdom earn the title.

Team News

Kerry travelled without Jack Barry, Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien and James O’Donoghue. These are four of the first fifteen who will need minutes before the Championship. Therefore, Peter Keane could introduce these familiar faces against Donegal if available.

But, the likes of Paudie Clifford, Killian Spillane, Tony Brosnan, and Dara Moynihan are offering an exciting dimension to the attack. Keane could opt to experiment with his forwards. It also remains to be seen where Tommy Walsh will be primarily deployed.

Donegal were without Patrick McBrearty, who limped out of a recent challenge game against Roscommon. Michael Langan and Odhrán McFadden-Ferry were also absent. Declan Bonner may opt against risking these players even if available next weekend. Donegal face Tyrone in the first round of the Championship. As a result, Bonner will be torn between saving such players and giving them some much needed match practice.

Kerry (Donegal): Shane Ryan; Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Tom O’Sullivan; Paul Murphy, Peter Crowley, Gavin White; David Moran, Diarmuid O’Connor; Micheal Burns, Sean O’Shea, Ronan Buckley; Tony Brosnan, David Clifford, Dara Moynihan.

Donegal (Kerry) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Prediction: 

Kerry. The Kingdom’s firepower up front is arguably the best around. Even if Keane opts for some rotation, the new faces will be keen to show their worth. On the other hand, Donegal have no reason to take major risks so Bonner will likely disperse some game-time among the squad.

Kerry vs Donegal: Division 1, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Tralee). 

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Republic of Ireland One to Watch: Sinclair Armstrong

Sinclair Armstrong links up with QPR

A big day for young Irish striker Sinclair Armstrong as he sealed a dream move to England. The 17-year-old has joined Queens Park Rangers from Shamrock Rovers and will initially link up with the U-18 squad.

Although only 17, Armstrong’s potential has been recognised for several years now. He made his first team debut for Shamrock Rovers at the age of 15, appearing in an FAI Cup game against Drogheda back in August 2018.

Since then, the Clondalkin native has been promoted to the Shamrock Rovers II side and featured six time this season. Kevin Zefi, another promising youngster, is also making waves at Rovers. The former St. Kevin’s Boys’ winger became the youngest League of Ireland goal scorer in history after netting against Longford Town at the age of 15.

Republic of Ireland Form

Armstrong’s form didn’t go unnoticed at international level either. He earned his first Republic of Ireland call up for the U-17 side back in September 2019 in friendly encounter against Russia. It was a debut to remember as he scored one and set up the other in a 2-0 victory. His second goal for Colin O’Brien’s U-17 team came in November 2019 in a 4-2 EURO Qualifier win over Israel.

It is not all about goals for Armstrong either, who has operated on the right wing in O’Brien’s 4-3-3 formation for the U-17 side. At this age you need to add as many strings to your bow in order to stand out. In a clash against Switzerland in February of this year, Armstrong’s lofted cross from the right wing was met by Bohemians’ striker Evan Ferguson who headed home an equaliser.

Interest from Abroad

Shortly after the Switzerland game, the Independent.ie reported that Armstrong was in Germany on trial at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Fellow Bundesliga side Schalke and Serie A’s Verona were also reportedly keen. A move to Europe has become increasingly more common with the likes of Jadon Sancho, and more recently Jude Bellingham, proving that there is life beyond the English leagues.

Nevertheless, all of the interest will not have phased Sinclair Armstrong. He knows the importance of staying humble. A trait embedded in him by his former Rovers’ boss Damien Duff according to the youngster.

Despite the mentioned interest from Europe, QPR was the preferred destination. He will join fellow Irish youngsters Conor Masterson and Olamide Shodipo at the London club. “I’m going to do everything become a professional footballer” was what Armstrong promised back in 2019. Now he is one step closer on that journey.

Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1 Preview, team news and live scores

Monaghan vs Meath is a chance for both of these teams to bounce back from defeats before the start of the Championship. Monaghan lost to Kerry last weekend, while a spirited Meath team fell to Dublin.

Click for live score commentary

The Farney men had a chance to distance themselves from relegation last weekend but failed to take it. They came up three points shy of Kerry after poor accuracy in front of the posts left them chasing the game.

Conor McManus was sprung from the bench for the second-half. Despite adding 0-5, Kerry kept tacking on scores at the other end.

He could feature from the start against Meath. As a result, he will draw Meath’s primary attention, allowing Monaghan’s other forwards to step up.

Meath offered a spirited showing against Dubin without ever really threatening them. Donal Keogan driving runs caused the Dubs some problems in defence. If he can repeat the trick against Monaghan it will create chances. Shane Walsh impressed in corner-forward with 0-4.

Despite their relegation being guaranteed some time ago, Meath’s performances are no reflection of their lack of points. They came within a score of Mayo, Kerry, and Galway before the lockdown. Similarly, they have reason to be hopeful after their showing against Dublin. The Monaghan game is a chance for Meath to prove they were competitive in the top Division. Expect the handbrake to be let off by Andy McEntee.

Team News

Conor McManus may see more than just a half on Sunday. Monaghan will need his precision in front of goal.

Christopher McGuinness also came off the bench against Kerry. Two points may be enough to earn him a start against Meath.

McManus came on for Conor McCarthy at the weekend. If McCarthy is allowed the chance, he will be keen to show his worth.

Meath have an extra week to prepare for their Championship opener on the 8th November. Thus, McEntee may continue to use his strongest players against Monaghan for some match fitness. Debutants Eoin Harkin and Cathal Hickey impressed at opposite ends of the pitch. They could be rewarded with another cap.

Prediction: Monaghan. Meath are no outsiders in this one. But, Monaghan have more on the line and will approach it as such. When it comes down to the wire, back Conor McManus to get them over the line and into Division 1 safety.

Meath (Monaghan): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Cathal Hickey, Shane McEntee, Donal Keogan; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Jason Scully, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Cillian O’Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eoin Harkin, Gavin McCoy, Matthew Costello, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jordan Morris, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1, Sunday, October 25th, 2pm (Clones).

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https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1318509012535644160

Clare vs Armagh: Division 2 Preview, Starting Team News, Live scores

Clare took a big step towards Division 2 safety with a win over Fermanagh last weekend. But, to ensure survival they need a result against Armagh. The Ulster side will be frustrated at their loss to Roscommon and will be looking to bounce back strongly. Clare vs Armagh takes place at 2pm on Saturday in Cusack Park.

Clare had two points to spare against Fermanagh in a 1-11 vs 1-9 victory that condemned the Ulster side to relegation.

Joe McGann’s superb individual goal was the difference at half-time. After the break, Clare extended their lead with a spread of scorers. Jamie Malone’s 0-3 came at a crucial time. With ten minutes to go, Fermanagh couldn’t reel in the five-point deficit.

Meanwhile, Armagh’s performance against Roscommon perhaps wasn’t deserving of a four point defeat. They gave away two penalties to let Roscommon back into a game in which Armagh were totally controlling.

A further goal for the Connacht side saw Armagh heads drop.

But, there was a lot of good to take from the performance. For example, Armagh were quite efficient in from of the posts.

Kieran McGeeney will still be confident of a promotion. Furthermore, if Cavan do them a favour, they could still go up as Division 2 winners.

Team News

Both sides start their Championship on November 1. So far, neither has picked up any major injury concerns.

Clare play Tipperary who themselves are finding form at the right time. Clare could prioritise staying in Division 2 though. If they do, expect to see a full-strength team take the field against Armagh.

Similarly, getting promoted is no small deal for Armagh. Therefore, McGeeney won’t shy away from letting his big guns loose again. The O’Neill brothers were especially impressive against Roscommon and could be deployed again.

They play Derry in their Ulster Championship opener.

Armagh ( Clare): Blaine Hughes; Patrick Burns, Ryan Kennedy, James Morgan; Conor O’Neill, Callum Cumiskey, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Oisin O’Neill; Rory Grugan, Stefan Campbell, Mark Shields; Jamie Clarke, Rian O’Neill, Conor Turbitt.

Clare (Armagh) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Clare vs Armagh: Division 2, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Ennis).

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Bamford masterclass as Leeds cruise to victory against Aston Villa

Leeds United move up to 3rd while Villa remain 2nd

Aston Villa have had an unthinkable season so far, but tonight they suffered their first loss in the Premier League at the hands of Leeds United. If they won tonight – or even drew – they would have gone ahead of Everton to top the table. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. Despite their failure tonight, Aston Villa have performed well above expectations so far.

They’ve shown they have what it takes to compete with the best this season with some impressive wins against top sides. The Liverpool result stands out as they broke up Jurgen Klopp’s side to win 7-2. They also beat Leicester last weekend, which is no mean feat given the season the Foxes had last term.

Like Villa, Leeds have also surpassed expectations so far this season. They now sit 3rd in the table after tonight’s victory, albeit with a game in hand. Marcelo Bielsa must receive credit a tonne of credit for how Leeds are performing so far, the Argentine has completely transformed the Leeds squad since taking over. After years of struggling for promotion from the Championship, Bielsa took just 2 seasons to make their Premier League dream a reality. Not only did he get promoted, but he done so in style. Quick passing, hard work and intense pressing is a staple of this Leeds United team. They demonstrated their entertaining style of play tonight as they cruised to a comfortable win.

As expected, the match was an enjoyable affair – as long as you’re not a Villa fan.

One of the main talking points of the first half was Bielsa’s controversial substitution of Pascal Struijk with just 21 minutes played. The substitution may have been a result of the defender receiving an early yellow card. Barkley and Grealish were trying to draw fouls out of him, so maybe Bielsa was right in his judgement.

Speaking of Grealish, he came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half. He shot from a tight angle after being fed by Trzeguet, but his shot was expertly cleared off the line by the hard-working Luke Ayling. Ayling made the mistake in the first place which led to the opportunity but he more than made amends as he made the incredible goal line clearance. Goal line technology had to be called into play to determine if it crossed the line or not, which shows just how close Grealish went.

Grealish was involved again towards the end of the half as he was bundled over inside the box. There were claims for a penalty, but VAR determined there was minimal contact to warrant a spot kick.

Bamford went close a handful of times during the first half and his determination paid off in the 55th minute. Bamford turned poacher as Emi Martinez’s palmed save fell to his feet and he made no mistake with the finish.

There was a penalty claim not long afterwards as Bamford went down theatrically after a coming together with Mings. Replays, however, showed that there was no contact made by Mings.

Moments after the penalty incident, Bamford got his second. This time it was a brilliant goal. Klich ran through the middle before finding Bamford who took a touch before blasting the ball into the top corner from outside the box. It was a stunning goal from the Leeds striker.

Bamford completed his hat trick on the 73rd with another spectacular goal. Leeds once again moved the ball well before the ball made its way to Bamford. He displayed some expert close control to find himself some space before bending his shot around the opposition defender to find the net. Bamford has had his critics in the past few years but he showed tonight that he was capable of performing at a very high level.

Pablo Hernandez went close for Leeds a couple of times before the final whistle ended but failed to find the net.

It was a brilliant performance by Leeds tonight as they easily dismantled of an inform Aston Villa outfit. If they continue to perform like they have tonight for the remainder of the season, who knows how far they could go.

Leeds’ next Premier League fixture is against Leicester on Monday. Like tonight’s game, Leeds vs. Leicester should also prove to be an enticing affair.

Ireland’s women fail to get result against Ukraine

The Republic of Ireland slipped to their second defeat in Group I after losing 1-0 away to Ukraine at the Obolon Arena.

An own goal from Aine O’Gorman gave the home team a lead that they did not give up despite Ireland registering 13 attempts on goal, dominating possession and playing the better football.

With three corners inside the opening 10 minutes, it was all about Ireland and Harriet Scott signalled their intent to take an early lead by shooting over from distance.

The visitors kept on playing and Katie McCabe hit the top of the crossbar with a free-kick. The constant waves of Irish pressure kept Ukraine inside their own half for the majority of the time.

Surprisingly, it was Ukraine who took the lead when O’Gorman found herself under pressure and attempted to play the ball back to goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan but it bypassed her into the net.

Ireland responded by earning a penalty on 32 minutes after Denise O’Sullivan was brought down. Captain McCabe stepped up but her effort crashed back off the crossbar.

Undeterred by their lack of luck, Vera Pauw’s team kept pressing in search of the goal that their positive play deserved. It almost came just before the interval when Rianna Jarrett met a pass from Heather Payne although the ball was cleared before it could cross the line.

It was all Ireland in the second period as O’Sullivan, Payne, Jarrett, McCabe and Louise Quinn all went close with chances. They just could not supply that finish that their play merited.

Ukraine hung on to collect the three points and deal Ireland’s qualifying hopes a blow with one game remaining, at home to Group leaders Germany, on December 1st.

Post-Match Reaction | Republic of Ireland WNT Manager Vera Pauw
“At half-time, we said that we have 45 minutes to get one goal so don’t rush and makes sure to keep your structure. In the first half, we completely dominated so the plan was the play the same way but time went ticking and there was hardly any time left to get that goal.

“We had a game-plan that we had planned for all of the different scenarios and we were handling the game well, albeit without scoring. I think everyone could see that we were the better team but the ball just would not go in for us.

“We know what we need against Germany so we will sit down and come up with a game-plan. We know how good they are and how difficult it will be against them, but we have to plan for that once we move past this game.”

Ukraine: Sanina; Filenko, Kravets, Shmatko, Pantsulaya (O Voronina 46, Petryk 70); Andrushchak, Khimich; Boychenko (Malakhova 90), Apanaschenko, Kozlova (Voronina 90); Kalinina (Kunina 46).

Republic of Ireland: Brosnan; O’Gorman, Caldwell, Quinn, Scott (Barrett 86); Connolly, O’Sullivan; Payne, Littlejohn, McCabe; Jarrett (Molloy 86).

Sam Bennett wins stage 4 of La Vuelta 2020

Sam Bennett won Ireland’s second stage of La Vuelta 2020 on Friday. The Carrick-on-Suir man took stage 4 in Ejea de los Caballeros, just 24 hours after Dan Martin’s victory.

Bennett, winner of the green jersey in this year’s Tour de France, beat Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen and Italy’s Jakub Marecszo in a sprint finish to narrowly take the stage win at the end of the 191.7 kilometres.

Today’s success is Bennett’s third Vuelta stage win and his sixth in a Grand Tour.

UAE Team Emirates and Bora-Hansgrohe went to the front of the peloton late on, before Philipsen moved clear 200 metres from the finish.

However, Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s Bennett went on the Belgian’s wheel and won by a bike length to secure his first win at this year’s La Vuelta.

“It was so fast on the run-in, I was a bit nervous,” said the winning Deceuninck-Quick-Step rider.

“I had the power but he (Philipsen) was so explosive out of the corner and I didn’t know if I would catch him” the 30-year-old explained.

“I found the speed I needed, and in the end, I managed to overtake him and take my first win since Champs-Élysées, which feels amazing”, a delighted Bennett said after picking up Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s 39th victory of the year.

Defending champion Primoz Roglic remains in the overall lead, five seconds ahead of Ireland’s Dan Martin with Richard Carapaz in third.

Stage four result
1. Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-Quick-Step)
2. Jasper Philipsen (UAE Team Emirates)
3. Jakub Mareczko (ICCC)

General classification after stage four
1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 16hrs 30mins 53secs
2. Daniel Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) +5secs
3. Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) +13secs

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