Many WorldTour squads would be pleased to have Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen in the Tour de France, yet Alpecin-Deceuninck aims to raise the stakes in 2025. Australian cyclist Kaden Groves has disclosed to Sporza that he will also be traveling to France this summer. In what capacity? He expands on it.
Groves joined Van der Poel and Philipsen as a teammate in 2023 after moving from the current Jayco-AlUla team. Nonetheless, he rarely rode alongside the two stars of Alpecin-Deceuninck. During the Tour in 2023 and 2024, Groves finished the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. He achieved success in Spain, securing three stages and the points classification consecutively in two editions.
In 2025, Groves is expected to ride more alongside Van der Poel and Philipsen, beginning in the spring. “Health issues and injuries have frequently required me to skip the classics in recent years.” “I have always wished to participate in the spring races, and this year, I definitely will,” she states with excitement. The schedule features the Opening Weekend, Milan-Sanremo, Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Brabantse Pijl, and the Amstel Gold Race.
Groves frequently alongside Van der Poel and Philipsen
In Sanremo, Flanders, and Roubaix, Groves will compete with his two team captains. “With Mathieu and Jasper, we possess two cyclists who have previously triumphed in the classics.” As an adaptable cyclist, I am able to assist them in the Monuments. However, I will have opportunities as well. They won’t participate in Dwars door, but Vlaanderen and I will begin as team captains. I aim to acquire experience as a team leader in the major classics.
Groves will participate in the Giro in May as well. If he crosses the finish line ‘safe and sound,’ the Tour de France will come next. “During the Tour, I will certainly back Jasper and Mathieu.” Jasper’s history in that area is quite remarkable. Being involved in their achievements is a significant dream realized. However, I also aspire to one day contend for stage victories in the Tour personally. “And perhaps this year, an opportunity will arise.”
Groves is dedicated to the future alongside Van der Poel and Philipsen.
The reality that he doesn’t consistently receive the most chances at Alpecin-Deceuninck was not a reason to depart from the team. Groves renewed his contract for two more seasons, even with offers from other teams. “Why was I eager to remain with Alpecin-Deceuninck?” Since I can still gain a great deal of knowledge from Mathieu and Jasper here. I also possess an excellent program here with the required assistance. “I can keep growing with the hope that one day I will become a leader in the largest competitions.”
