Sam Bennett set for racing return at Nokere Koerse!
Irish sprinter makes his debut with the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team after a carefully managed recovery following cardiac ablation surgery last November.
Tomorrow, Sam Bennett will make his racing debut with the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team at Danilith Nokere Koerse, the 186.4 km Belgian semi-classic from Deinze to Nokere.
The race, known for its aggressive Belgian-style racing and explosive finale on the uphill cobbled finishing straight in Nokere, traditionally favors powerful sprinters capable of surviving a selective race before contesting the final sprint.
For Bennett, the start line represents the culmination of a carefully managed recovery process following the cardiac ablation procedure he underwent on 18 November 2025.
After the operation, Bennett spent the final weeks of 2025 focused entirely on recovery before beginning a gradual and closely monitored return to training over the past three months. Throughout the process, the team prioritized a measured approach — respecting the timeline required to bring the rider back to racing safely and sustainably.
The guiding principle throughout the process was simple: the person first, then the athlete.
For Bennett, the return to training felt like rebuilding something step by step.
"Once I got a certain amount into recovery for the heart, the fitness actually progressed quite quickly. But what I noticed was that it felt like training an injured muscle again, like any other muscle in the body.” I was describing it recently like this: you push to a limit, that becomes the normal zone, and then you push to the next limit. It was really like retraining the heart gradually."
Sam Bennett
The work done over the winter has brought his overall condition back to a strong level, though the highest intensity efforts still require time.
"My general fitness is very good, the base and the zone two work feel normal again. What still needs time are the repeated high efforts and time in VO2 max. That’s something you can’t rush.” This race will be exciting because it’s a chance to see where I am. It’s a learning curve — to understand what’s good, what’s not good and what I still need to work on."
Sam BennettFor that reason, Nokere Koerse will serve as an important reference point in Bennett’s return to racing. Despite the unusual timing of his season debut, Bennett says the motivation to race again is strong.
"It’s strange to have the nerves of the first race of the season this late in March, but I’m excited. Nervous as well — in a good way — and really looking forward to racing again.” Normally the first races are further south, but Belgium is aggressive racing with a lot of accelerations. It’s a different style, but I’m excited for it. It will be really nice to race with the guys and properly be part of the team. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, but until you train and race together you’re still watching a bit from the sidelines."
Sam BennettEqually important will be the opportunity to finally race alongside his new teammates. At Nokere Koerse, the team’s sprint ambitions will once again revolve around Matteo Moschetti, who finished second in last year’s edition after a selective bunch sprint.
Bennett approaches the race with an open mindset.
"Matteo had a fantastic result there last year and he’s been very strong at the start of the season, so he deserves the team’s support for this race.” For me it’s more of a wildcard — to test the water, race on instinct and see where I am. I just want the freedom to race naturally and see what happens."
Sam BennettTomorrow’s start in Nokere therefore represents more than a race return. It marks the final step of a patient and responsible journey back to competition, one built on careful progression, respect for recovery, and the support of his new team.
With the first race now on the horizon, the coming weeks will provide the opportunity for Bennett to continue building rhythm and integration within the Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team as he returns step by step to full competition.
