Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Kaden Groves Wins Tour de France Stage for Third Time
Alpecin-Deceuninck, a team in need of a sponsor, has won its third stage of the Tour de France through Australian sprinter-cum-rouleur Kaden Groves. Groves’ win on stage 20 ensured he became the 114th rider to secure Grand Tour stage victories, adding to his previous wins in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.
Groves’ victory came after a dramatic breakaway ride, where he outpaced his fellow escapees by 54 seconds. The win is a testament to Groves’ strength as a rider, despite not having the highest speed for sprinting. His team’s lead sports director, Christoph Roodhooft, praised Groves’ exceptional performance, saying it was “exceptional” and within his capabilities.
However, Alpecin-Deceuninck faces financial struggles, with their main sponsor Deceuninck withdrawing their title sponsorship at the end of this season. The team will continue operating in 2026 but relies on Alpecin as its only named sponsor beyond that point.
Despite these concerns, Groves’ win has brought hope for the team’s search for a new sponsor. Roodhooft acknowledged the situation, saying “The fact that we have to look for one is maybe already an answer.” The team will try to put their financial worries aside and celebrate their successes in the Tour de France, including Groves’ historic win.
Groves’ pedigree and talent have earned him a spot among the top riders in Grand Tours. As he prepares to take on stage 21 in Paris, Groves is optimistic about his chances, saying “I definitely have the legs for it.”
Source: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/its-almost-unbelievable-desperate-for-a-sponsor-alpecin-deceuninck-keep-winning-at-tour-de-france