Cycling: George Bennett poised to sacrifice himself for Jumbo-Visma's benefit at Tour de France

George Bennett can ride for himself at some events but will likely be under team orders at the big one - the Tour de France. Photo / Getty Images

George Bennett has high expectations when it comes to getting results at the top level of world cycling, but he is set to temper those at the Tour de France.

The Kiwi finished sixth this week in a world-class field at Paris-Nice — one of the best results of his career — but, as is understandably the mindset of a top athlete, he had set some lofty goals and left not completely satisfied.

"Overall, looking at the start list, sixth wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't what I went into the race hoping for — I was hoping to be a bit closer to the podium," Bennett told Radio Sport.

"I'm happy to walk away from it in one piece considering how dangerous it was — and the legs were pretty good, definitely where I thought they would be at this time of year. A lot of good things, a few bad things, and if you had to sum it up, it was not as good as I hoped, but still pretty good."

Bennett lost over a minute to some contenders in the time trial, and suffered at altitude on the pivotal mountain stage, something he views as an acceptable tradeoff, given he spent important time with family and friends in New Zealand instead of doing early altitude training like some rivals.

Now, though, he's getting acclimatised at altitude ahead of the big races on a schedule that consists of a trip to the Tour of the Basque Country early next month, a return to the site of his breakthrough victory in 2017 at the Tour of California, and of course, the Tour de France.

However, while he will ride for himself in Spain and the United States, he is likely to have to defer to his Jumbo-Visma teammates in France. Steven Kruijswijk finished third at his first race of the year, and claimed fifth overall at last year's Tour, and he will be flanked by the best one-week rider in the world, Primoz Roglic, who is also targeting May's Giro d'Italia.

So unless there's a surprising twist or injury, Bennett is still set to be a highly-credentialed helper, something he reconciles as a blow to the ego but simply part of cycling.

"Nothing's changed on that front yet, so you've just got to suck it up. It will hurt the ego a little when you're dropping on purpose and getting bottles at the Tour de France, but that's what they pay you to do and you've got to be a professional and you've got to do it, really. It's just the natural pecking order of things — I'm going to have to sacrifice myself and make the best of it."

It's a role Bennett played for most of his career, until the last few years, when he had classy riders such as Robert Gesink sacrifice their own chances to help him.

"I think about how many riders could have got pretty handy results for themselves in the races I've been doing, and they've sacrificed themselves for me over the last few years. They completely give up their hopes of a personal result to help me get a better result for the team," reflects Bennett.

That is likely what Bennett will do for Kruijswijk and Roglic, but there's still a chance of individual glory, as depending on his team's tactical plans, there could be some opportunities to go in the breakaway and potentially claim a stage victory.

But if not, Bennett can still see the satisfaction in being a vital part in what should be a stellar Tour de France squad.

"It's still rewarding — you can still do a really good job. You can still take a lot out of the race if you're doing a good job as a helper."