Kaden Groves Clinches First Tour de France Stage Victory
Australian sprinter Kaden Groves secured his first-ever stage victory at the Tour de France, conquering stage 20 from a breakaway in Pontarlier.
Groves, racing for Alpecin-Deceuninck, showcased his remarkable talent by outpacing his competitors and crossing the finish line solo, marking a significant milestone in his cycling career.
The 184-kilometer stage from Nantua to Pontarlier was not without its challenges, as riders navigated a damp course that saw several crashes. However, Groves demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, breaking free from his companions Frank van den Broek and British cyclist Jake Stewart with just 16 kilometers remaining. His decisive move allowed him to build a substantial lead, ultimately finishing 55 seconds ahead of van den Broek.
As the peloton rolled in nearly seven minutes behind, Tadej Pogacar maintained his lead in the overall standings, ensuring he would wear the coveted yellow jersey into Paris on the final day of the race. Pogacar, who holds a commanding four-minute and 24-second advantage over rival Jonas Vingegaard, is poised to celebrate his fourth Tour title, with the potential for a record-equalling fifth.
Reflecting on his victory, an emotional Groves expressed his joy and relief. “Today we weren't sure whether to go for the stage or wait for tomorrow, but when the rain falls, I have a super feeling normally in the cold weather,a” he said. “It’s my first ever solo win, and it's a Tour stage, so it’s pretty incredible. There's so much pressure at the Tour. Having won in the Giro and won in the Vuelta, all I ever get asked is if I am good enough to win in the Tour, and now I've shown them.”
Groves’ triumph marks the third stage victory for Alpecin-Deceuninck in this year’s Tour, following earlier wins by Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel, both of whom have since faced setbacks due to injury and illness. Groves’ performance not only underscores his potential as a leading sprinter but also cements his place in the history of the Tour de France.
As the race heads into its final stage, the addition of three ascents of the Montmartre climb promises to keep the competition fierce. While the traditional Champs-Élysées sprint may be altered by the challenging terrain and potential rain, Pogacar can almost start celebrating his title, while Groves will undoubtedly be a name to watch in future races.