By E. Thompson
Australian sprinter Kaden Groves came agonizingly close to victory in stage 10 of the Giro d’Italia, but ultimately fell just short to Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) in a thrilling sprint finish.
A Competitive Field
Groves, riding for BikeExchange-Jayco, had been one of the favorites heading into the stage, which featured a flat run-in to the finish line in Jesi. The 23-year-old had already won two stages at the Tour of Turkey earlier this season and was looking to add to his tally in Italy.
However, he faced stiff competition from a number of other top sprinters, including Gaviria, Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal), and Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ).
A Close Finish
The race came down to a bunch sprint, with Groves leading out the charge for BikeExchange-Jayco. He opened up a narrow advantage in the final meters, but Gaviria was able to close the gap and pip him at the line by a mere bike length.
It was a heartbreaking defeat for Groves, who had come so close to claiming his first Grand Tour stage victory. However, he can take solace in the fact that he has shown himself to be one of the fastest sprinters in the world.
What’s Next?
Groves will have another chance to taste victory on stage 11 of the Giro d’Italia, which features another flat finish. He will be determined to make amends for his narrow defeat and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the sprints.
The Giro d’Italia continues on Tuesday with a hilly stage from Santarcangelo di Romagna to Reggio Emilia. The race is expected to be decided in the mountains, with the overall contenders looking to make their mark.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
