Alpecin-Deceuninck are the third-to-last team to announce their lineup for the Vuelta a España and they are looking to equal the success of last year. The team isn't bring Mathieu van der Poel or Jasper Philipsen to Spain, but are looking to help Kaden Groves win in the bunch sprints.
The Australian rider was the winner of the points classification last year and was able to win three stages. This was the result of a very consistent performance where he not only rode well in the bunch sprints but also in offensive racing scenarios. He won the final stage to Madrid after being part of an attacking group together with the likes of Filippo Ganna and Remco Evenepoel.
The lineup will largely be focused in him, although it must be said he lacks great support in the sprints. Groves is rumoured to be leaving the team and joining Astana next season. In the fast finishes the likes of Maurice Ballerstedt and Quinten Hermans will be important - the latter can aim for some hilly stages as well. Juri Hollman should be part of the leadout whilst Oscar Riesebeek will be tasked with long days in the head of the peloton.
Xandro Meurisse and Edward Planckaert will likely be focused on breakaways on the many hilly days of the race whilst 26-year old Luca Vergallito makes his Grand Tour debut. After the success of Jay Vine who won several stages here in 2022, the Belgian team is giving the opportunity to another of the Zwift Academy winners in the Italian.
Alpecin-Deceuninck for Vuelta a España:
Maurice Ballerstedt
Kaden Groves
Quinten Hermans
Juri Hollmann
Xandro Meurisse
Edward Planckaert
Oscar Riesebeek
Luca Vergallito
Bienvenido de @lavuelta 🇪🇸! The third and final Grand Tour of 2024 is upon us, starting in the vibrant city of 🇵🇹 Lisbon. With @kaden_groves , last year’s green jersey winner, leading our Alpecin-Deceuninck squad, our mission is clear: win races and chase greatness once again! 💥…
