Alpecin-Deceuninck sees impressive streak end: Groves draws conclusions after the Giro

For the first time in its history, Alpecin-Deceuninck failed to win a stage in a grand tour. This is an achievement in itself, as the 2024 Giro d'Italia marked the tenth three-week stage race that the Roodhooft brothers' team has participated in. Team leader Kaden Groves finished on the podium once again in Rome.

The Australian sprinter came close several times in this Giro d'Italia but ultimately could not compete against Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek and Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step. These two men each won three sprint stages, while Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis) each claimed a flat stage.

"Who is the sprint king of this Giro? That's hard to say," said the amiable Groves. "Both Jonathan and Tim have won three times, but based on his consistent performance, I would say Jonathan. Whenever he didn't win, he still finished second," he gave us his analysis.

Groves shows consistency, but lacks icing on the cake

"It wasn't a tough day," Groves told Cycling Pro Net in Rome. "Only a small breakaway group went for it, but on this technical circuit, things really sped up in the last two laps. In the final kilometer, it was very fast and I was in a good position, but I ended up getting a bit boxed in between the barriers and Simone Consonni, while Tim van Dijke was also ahead of me. That's why I couldn't really break out."

Groves had previously stated that the stages in this Giro were not really suited to him, but how does he look back on his grand tour overall? "I finished on the podium four times, so that shows that you are consistent. But in the end, it just wasn't good enough," judged the sprinter.