In the peloton there are some curious cyclistscharacters who have carved out a charisma beyond their performances and performance on the bike. One of them is George BennettBennett, who joined UAE Team Emirates nine months ago, whose backgroundNew Zealand, already makes it uniqueHe is also very accurate when commenting on issues surrounding professional cycling.
He has been in the business for ten years now, a time in which "everything has changed a lot. Right now we have to manage many more factors than before, in training, nutrition, altitude and even strategy during the race".
A much more complex cycling
For Bennett, "everything is much more intense, on and off the bike.But luckily, we are surrounded by professionals who help us grow in our profession. I have to admit, therefore, that cycling has given me a lot, It is a humble sport that makes you humble.when you think you're doing well, cycling shows you that there is always a better one.. You can suffer a lot for a victory that is very difficult to achieve and may not come. In those moments, you learn what the value of hard work means.”.
His career is starting to be a long one, although it doesn't disconnect him from his roots: "I've lived in Europe for about fourteen years, but New Zealand is my home".
He has been a cyclist who has been able to coexist with the environment.My family, girlfriend and friends always remind me that life is more than just competing on a bike. That's why cycling is a part of my life. I grew up playing rugby and other sports, none of my friends at school were cyclists. I keep in touch with a lot of them, so when I go around New Zealand I enjoy the real world more than ever.
Interests away from cycling
For George Bennett "it's very important to have other interests outside of cycling, because sometimes the cycling world can overtake you. Music and other sports fill my free time and help me stay fresh for cycling.”.
Among other things, launched a project, a podcast The Social distance" is a podcast that we started during confinement to entertain people, and ourselves, at times when we couldn't go out on the streets. It has been gaining popularity and now we record an episode every two weeks.”.
New Zealand cycling
Despite the huge physical distance, George does not losefor it, the pulse of cycling in his country: “Cycling is growing in my homeland, New ZealandIn New Zealand, more and more people are realizing the benefits of cycling for health and entertainment. In 2023 we will have our first professional team and interest in cycling at the highest level continues to grow.”.
Its beginnings were outside of cyclingI wanted to do motocross, but we couldn't afford to buy a bike, so I decided to go for it. so we bought an MTB. I didn't go out much on it, until some friends encouraged me to go out while we were preparing for the rugby season. I tried some races, but I didn't win much, but I got better and better, and after the U19 MTB World Championships, I focused on the road and never looked back.
He now wears the colors of UAE Team Emirates.where he was a member of the select team that went to defender the Tour de France crown: "I enjoyed the move to UAE. I've met great people and a very interesting environment. It's been a big change, but it feels like home."
Here he got to know the work of GobikI like working with a partner like this, they have the best clothes I've used to date. I'm waiting to see how it turns out. the project that my girlfriend Caitlin wants to present with them in September 2022.”.
Soon to race the World Tour of Canada classicsin which she will be with Tadej Pogačarwhom "I want to help win a Tour de France, that's one of my great illusions. On a personal level, a top 5 and a stage in a major would be great achievements.”.
For him there is a maxim: "You always have to go out there and give it your all and then we'll see how it goes.". That makes it difficult for him not to give it his all.
