Kaden Groves Makes History as First Australian Winner of Points Standings in La Vuelta
Kaden Groves, the talented Australian cyclist, expressed his surprise and gratitude after becoming the first Australian to win the points standings in La Vuelta. Groves secured his victory by winning his third stage and wearing the coveted green jersey.
Reflecting on his unexpected win, Groves said, “For sure, I didn’t imagine I would win this way. Coming into today, I really wanted to take the stage and keep the green jersey but going for a breakaway wasn’t my intention.”
Groves knew the threat posed by Remco Evenepoel, who had the potential to snatch the green jersey. “Remco [Evenepoel] this morning was a threat for the green jersey and I suspected he might try something, not to take the jersey, but to try and win the stage. And I knew I had to follow him,” he explained.
Groves strategically held back in the final kilometer, allowing the peloton to catch up. He relied on his exceptional sprinting skills, confident that he could find that extra burst of speed. He credited Evenepoel for helping him in the final moments of the race, stating, “Remco leading out in the final hectometres was a big advantage for me.”
The significance of his victory was not lost on Groves, who expressed his gratitude to his team. “It’s pretty special [to be the first Australian winner of the points standings of La Vuelta]. I need to thank my team, without them it wouldn’t have been possible. We had such a big month here in Spain and we prepared together as well. This victory of the jersey and also my third stage mean a lot to me,” he said.
Groves’ achievement marks a milestone for Australian cycling and further establishes his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
