ANALYSIS: Kaden Groves and Wout van Aert serve up the action on La Vuelta stage 2

The second stage of La Vuelta a España 2024 served as a reminder of Alpecin-Deceuninck's power in the world of sprinting. Kaden Groves, the Australian sprinter for Alpecin-Deceuninck, outmanoeuvred Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) in a frantic dash to the finish line, reaffirming his team’s status in the peloton.

This stage, while considered one of the flatter days of this year's Vuelta, still boasted a formidable 3,000 meters of climbing over its long 204 km distance. Despite these challenging undulations, the day was widely expected to end in a bunch sprint—an opportunity for the sprinters to shine in a race marked by its paucity of flat stages.

Kaden Groves' victory on Sunday was not just a reminder of his individual talent but also a reflection of Alpecin-Deceuninck's meticulous execution. The Australian, who has faced a difficult season, reminded everyone of his resilience and capability. His ability to remain in contention despite the significant climbing—an unusual feat for pure sprinters—demonstrated his versatility and grit.

As the peloton hurtled towards the finish, Groves found himself well-positioned, biding his time as the race reached its climax. With 200 meters to go, Groves made his move, coming around van Aert to claim his first victory of the season. This win not only boosts his morale but also strengthens his resolve to defend the green jersey he won at last year’s Vuelta. Groves' success on this stage highlights his intent to replicate his 2023 form, where he consistently showcased his prowess in the sprint stages.

Alpecin-Deceuninck's sprinting credentials have been under scrutiny since Jasper Philipsen's performance at the 2024 Tour de France. Although Philipsen managed three stage victories, he ultimately fell short in defending his green jersey classification from 2023. This slight faltering had some questioning whether Alpecin-Deceuninck could maintain their position as the top sprinting team in the peloton. However, Groves' performance on Sunday has quashed those doubts, solidifying the team's reputation as the squad to beat in sprint finishes.

The team’s strategy and execution were impeccable throughout the stage. They managed their position in the peloton sensibly, kept Groves protected, and positioned him perfectly for the final dash. In the high-stakes world of Grand Tour sprinting, where precision and timing are everything, Alpecin-Deceuninck proved once again that they are the masters of their craft.

While Groves was the day's victor, Wout van Aert’s performance should not be overlooked. The Belgian powerhouse has been inching closer and closer to a Grand Tour stage win, a feat that has eluded him since the 2022 Tour de France. His third place in the opening time trial and second place in yesterday's sprint indicate that van Aert is returning to his scintillating best.

Despite missing out on the stage win, van Aert took some consolation in claiming the red jersey, symbolizing the overall lead of La Vuelta 2024. This achievement adds another chapter to his illustrious career, yet it also echoes a familiar narrative. In the 2022 Tour de France, van Aert found himself in a similar position—taking the yellow jersey after three consecutive second-place finishes before finally winning on stage four. History might well repeat itself in Spain, with van Aert poised to break his drought and secure a stage victory in the coming days.

Van Aert’s versatility is his greatest weapon. Unlike many sprinters, he thrives not just in flat-out sprints but also in stages that involve climbing and time-trialling. This makes him a favourite for the green jersey, despite the relative scarcity of sprint stages in this year's Vuelta. His ability to accumulate points in various types of stages gives him a significant advantage over his rivals.

While the sprint finish provided excitement, the majority of Stage 2 was marked by a lack of action. The 2024 Vuelta has drawn attention for its gruelling elevation profiles and the scarcity of flat stages. Many anticipated that these challenging routes would lead to dramatic racing. However, as demonstrated on Sunday, extensive climbing does not always translate to thrilling contests.

For much of the day, the peloton rode at a subdued pace, conserving energy for the battles ahead. The stage’s early breakaway, consisting of Luis Angel Mate (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Ibon Ruiz (Equipo Kern Pharma), failed to gain significant ground. The duo’s maximum advantage was capped at a modest 3 minutes and 30 seconds, thanks largely to a relentless headwind that sapped their momentum.

The peloton’s decision to keep the pace slow—averaging just 32 kph with 80 km to go, far below the predicted 42 kph—suggested that many riders were keen to conserve their energy rather than engage in a full-throttle chase. This conservation strategy, while understandable, led to a somewhat subdued spectacle for much of the stage.

It wasn’t until the final 30 km that the race came to life. As the breakaway was reeled in, the attacks began anew, setting the stage for the frenetic sprint finish that ultimately saw Groves emerge victorious. This late burst of activity provided the drama that had been lacking earlier in the day, but it also highlighted the cautious approach that many riders are likely to adopt throughout this year’s Vuelta.

Stage 2 of La Vuelta a España 2024 was a day that showcased both the strategic depth and the thrilling unpredictability of Grand Tour racing. Kaden Groves’ victory served as a reminder of Alpecin-Deceuninck's dominance in sprinting, even in a year where their supremacy was questioned. Groves' win, achieved after a challenging season, also demonstrated his resilience and determination to defend his green jersey.

Meanwhile, Wout van Aert’s close second place, coupled with his acquisition of the red jersey, underscored his current form and his potential to finally break his Grand Tour stage win drought. As the Vuelta progresses, van Aert will be a rider to watch, particularly as the race moves into stages that suit his versatile skill set.

Finally, the relatively subdued nature of the day’s racing reminds us that the Vuelta’s punishing profiles do not always guarantee action-packed stages. With energy conservation likely to be a key strategy for many riders, we may see more stages that save their excitement for the final kilometres. As the race continues, fans and riders alike will be eagerly anticipating the moments of high drama that La Vuelta is known for.