Groves acknowledges strength of 'incredible' Kooij and expected more from Pedersen's sprint

Groves and his Alpecin-Deceuninck team had clearly set their sights on this stage. "I can only say good things about my team. We were really committed to closing the breakaway, and luckily, we got some help from other teams because there was a very strong group ahead. It's very difficult to catch up with such groups on circuits like this."

With about six kilometers to go, their efforts paid off when Josef Cerny (Soudal Quick-Step) was caught as the last breakaway rider, after which it was up to the sprinters. "It was very chaotic. A lap like that is challenging because everyone can still shift positions."

“In the end, I was still able to get into position, for which I really have to thank the guys,” said Groves, unable to win the sprint. It's unfortunate because I would have liked to end the Giro with a victory."

“In the end, I finished second behind an incredibly strong Kooij. I expected Mads Pedersen to have a better sprint, but it was a long three weeks for everyone in the end. I just wasn't fast enough," Groves concluded at CyclingProNet. 

Moschetti achieved his best result in this Giro, finishing third. "I'm very happy because it's actually the first sprint I've really been able to ride and show what I can do. I was a bit too far back, but in the end, I'm satisfied with my third place."

The fact that Moschetti had the energy left on the last day of a three-week stage race was already a milestone for the Italian rider. "Everyone was tired, and a finish like this suits me well. I had a difficult time over the past few days, but that was true for the other riders. Now I will rest for a while, and then I may have to return to work next Sunday in the Brussels Cycling Classic."

Mads Pedersen, winner of the points jersey, finished fourth in the stage. The Dane said before the stage that he was unsure whether he would sprint, but he was among the front riders in the end. "I didn't want to take too many risks, but I was in a good position and decided to try it."

"But I didn't have the legs to overtake Kooij or make a move," Pedersen agreed with Groves' conclusion. "I was on Olav's wheel and stayed there until the finish. I'm still in one piece, making it a success."