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The Vuelta a España inexperienced jersey Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) averted damage after being concerned in a crash through the closing kilometre of stage 19 on Friday.
The Australian was the primary favorite for the stage – received by Alberto Dainese (dsm-firmenich) – however got here off his bike late within the race after riders crashed in entrance of him.
Learn extra: Vuelta a España stage 19: Alberto Dainese narrowly beats Filippo Ganna in sprint
Regardless of the excessive velocity within the peloton on the lengthy, straight highway into Íscar, Groves managed to keep away from really hitting the bottom, as an alternative having to leap off his bike however touchdown on his toes and strolling away from the crash.
“I’m okay. I managed to step off the bike and never hit the bottom, in order that’s okay on my finish,” he mentioned after the stage, the place he appeared freed from any discomfort or ache.
“I am unsure how the crash occurred, I haven’t seen it. I imagine there was only a contact of wheels or handlebars on the entrance and it concerned my teammate Tobias Bayer and a few DSM riders. Sadly actually unhealthy timing, however I additionally hope they’re okay.”
Groves, who received back-to-back sprints on phases 4 and 5, is near however has not mathematically secured the inexperienced jersey – a win on Friday would have made his lead over Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step) virtually unassailable heading in direction of Madrid.
Learn extra: The jerseys of the Vuelta a España explained
As a substitute, the four-time Grand Tour stage winner – who did take second on the intermediate dash – must look ahead to his jersey win to be confirmed. If he does take dwelling the inexperienced jersey in Madrid, he’ll develop into the primary Australian rider to take action.
“I nonetheless acquired some factors within the intermediate,” he mentioned. “It’s actually unlucky to not dash at this time, however it’s the danger we take once we are lacking some guys within the lead-out. Typically it’s a must to take the dash from throughout the bunch, and at this time we did that. Sadly, I used to be behind the crash.”
Groves has been two males down for the final week after Sam Gaze and Robbe Ghys deserted earlier within the race.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old was fortunate to return off as flippantly as he did in a crash that noticed the dsm-firmenich riders concerned arrive bloodied and bruised into the end. This implies he’s at some point nearer to ending this Vuelta carrying inexperienced, and unhurt heading in direction of one closing dash probability within the capital.
“We’ll must see however all in all I’m actually pleased with my crew and blissful to be in inexperienced,” he had mentioned previous to the stage. “However hopefully nonetheless in inexperienced in Madrid.”
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