'Our best weapon' – Back from injury, Kaden Groves leads Alpecin-Premier Tech chase for stage wins at the Giro d'Italia

Australian sprinter Kaden Groves is set to lead Alpecin-Deceuninck's stage hunting efforts at the Giro d'Italia, marking his return to top-tier racing after missing the Spring Classics due to injury. The team, known for its aggressive stage-winning tactics, will deploy Groves as their primary fast-finisher, aiming to convert opportunities in the bunch sprints. This move positions the 25-year-old as a key protagonist for the Belgian squad in Italy, a role he successfully embraced last year with two stage victories.

Groves' return is significant given his proven Grand Tour pedigree, having secured three stage wins across the 2023 Giro and Vuelta. His absence from the Classics due to a knee injury left a void in Alpecin-Deceuninck's sprint unit during a crucial period. With Mathieu van der Poel focusing on the Classics and now a break, Groves' form will be critical for the team to maintain its high win rate and visibility in the first Grand Tour of the season, particularly against a strong field of sprinters.

Ultimately, Alpecin-Deceuninck's strategy remains consistent: target stage wins, not the GC. Groves, their designated "best weapon," now carries the weight of those expectations, proving that some teams still understand the simple art of racing for victory, one day at a time.