Photo via Cyclingnews

'Biggest day out I've ever had, numerically ridiculous’ – George Bennett reveals power data from mega Il Lombardia breakaway

New Zealand cyclist George Bennett reflected on an extraordinary performance at Il Lombardia, where he spent nearly six hours in a breakaway group of 14 elite riders. The grueling effort saw Bennett sustain a normalized power output of 5.2 watts per kilogram and an average of 280 watts—equivalent to nearly 5 watts per kilogram—for the entire race, numbers he described as unprecedented in his career.

The breakaway, which included names like Ben O’Connor, Antonio Tiberi, and Victor Campenearts, was marked by relentless intensity, with riders pushing each other hard despite challenging wind conditions. Bennett admitted the group’s cohesion and collective effort made it one of the most demanding yet rewarding breakaways he’s experienced, even as they ultimately finished far from the podium.

Despite the physical toll, Bennett praised the race’s tactical depth and the passion of Italian fans, calling it his favorite event of the season. The effort underscored his ability to thrive in the grueling conditions of the Italian Classics, where endurance and tactical acumen are just as critical as raw power.

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