Groves: Victory at last in 2024
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: Still the Sprint Kings
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.
Wout van Aert: A Victory on the Horizon?
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.
A Day of Tension Rather Than Spectacle
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.
Conclusion
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.