Another big name abandons: Two-time Giro d’Italia stage winner Kaden Groves forced out after lingering effects of early crash

Kaden Groves has become the latest high-profile rider forced out of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, with the Alpecin-Premier Tech sprinter abandoning during Stage 4 after continuing to suffer from the effects of his opening-day crash.

The Australian went down heavily in the chaotic finale to Stage 1 in Burgas, where a mass crash disrupted the sprint won by Paul Magnier. Groves was able to continue into the following stages, but his condition remained a concern as the race transferred from Bulgaria to Italy.

Speaking to TNT Sports before the start of Stage 4, Groves admitted he was still dealing with the aftermath of the crash and would assess his condition on the road. “I’ll take it day by day and see how things are on the climb. I don’t need to risk anything,” he said.

Stage 4, running from Catanzaro to Cosenza, always looked awkward for the pure sprinters. The route included the long climb of Cozzo Tunno, a technical finale and an uphill drag to the line, making it a difficult day for any rider already carrying injuries.

For Groves, the issue was not just the stage profile. His Stage 1 crash had left him affected around the shoulder, head and neck area, and while he initially stayed in the race, the first day on Italian roads brought an early end to his Giro.

His withdrawal adds another name to the growing list of riders whose race has been shaped or ended by crashes in the opening days. Matteo Moschetti was forced out after the Stage 1 pile-up, while Stage 2’s horror crash ended the races of several major names, including Adam Yates, Jay Vine, Marc Soler, Santiago Buitrago, Andrea Vendrame and Wilco Kelderman.

Groves’ exit is a major blow to Alpecin-Premier Tech. The 27-year-old has already proved himself at the Giro, winning stages in both 2023 and 2025, and arrived as one of the fastest men in a sprint field that has so far been dominated by Paul Magnier.

His absence also removes another potential challenger from the points competition and from the reduced sprint finishes that were expected to suit the more durable fast men during the opening week.

After three days in Bulgaria and a transfer to Italy, the Giro had barely reached its first domestic stage before the crash toll continued to rise. For Groves, the decision to stop underlined just how costly the opening weekend had already become.