Sam Bennett to join Deceuninck – Quick-Step as Elia Viviani departs for Cofidis, according to reports

The Irishman had been close to moving to Movistar but preferred a transfer to a team more suited to working for a sprinter

Elia Viviani and Sam Bennett (Getty)

Elia Viviani is set to leave Deceuninck - Quick-Step at the end of the season to join Cofidis and will be replaced by Sam Bennett moving over from Bora-Hansgrohe, according to reports.

The 30-year-old sprinter will replace Nacer Bouhanni at the French team, with his departure apparently predicated in part by tense relations between Deceuninck - Quick-Step and their leaders, of which there are many on their star-studded roster.

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