Alpecin-Deceuninck eyes Giro success with Groves and Hermans: Stage wins are the goal but also pink in Tirana

"For sure, we are aiming for stage wins at this Giro. That's what this team is built for, and that's our ambition again this year," sports director Gianni Meersman said on the team's website. And Groves is the man for the job right from the start of the race. "Kaden Groves is our leader. After dealing with knee issues earlier this year, his full focus has been on the Giro. He's pain-free now, and we believe he's ready to show his form, hopefully right from the first sprint opportunity in Tirana." Thanks to his explosive sprint and stamina, Groves is considered one of the favorites for the green jersey.

In the sprint, Groves, who already won a stage in the Tour of Italy in 2023, will get support from Edward Planckaert, Timo Kielich, and Fabio Van den Bossche. But beyond the sprint train, Alpecin-Deceuninck is mainly looking to Quinten Hermans. "Quinten Hermans is our man for the tougher stages where the pure sprinters may struggle. He has proven in the past he can compete for a good result in stages like this."

Hermans and Groves are not the only ones who can achieve the goal. "With riders like Jimmy Janssens and Juri Hollmann, we have strong domestiques who can also seize their chance in breakaways if the situation allows," says the Belgian sports director. "And for Jensen Plowright, this Giro will be about gaining experience. It’s his first Grand Tour, and at 24 years old, it’s time for him to taste what racing over three weeks is like. We see potential in him for the future."