At one point it seemed as if Kaden Groves had an unassailable lead in the Green Jersey classification at the Vuelta a Espana but as Remco Evenepoel changes tact and targets stage wins, that gap has drastically closed.
"We wanted to try in the final, that was the plan," Groves told Eurosport post-stage. Much had been made of the work done by Alpecin-Deceuninck to chase the break and whether or not they feared the potential of Evenepoel taking further points. Groves however denies that this was the case.
"In the end, there were just too many strong men at the front, we couldn't get them back," Groves explains, the stage eventually being won by Rui Costa. "As a team we only had six men left, so that became difficult. Evenepoel has also changed the outcome of the day, if such a strong rider determines the course for a long time, it becomes difficult for me to worry about it."
"I have no control over Remco Evenepoel's possible points jersey ambitions, he rides his race and I ride mine," the Aussies concludes, explaining how he doesn't fear the Belgian just yet. "He got points, but I have to give my kudos to him for that. He no longer competes for the classification, but is now focusing very much on stage victories."
🥇 For the 1st time in the history of #LaVuelta 4⃣ Belgian 🇧🇪 teams have each won at least 1 stage @lotto_dstny with Andreas Kron (1) @soudalquickstep with Remco Evenepoel (2) @AlpecinDCK with Kaden Groves (2) + @IntermarcheCW with Rui Costa (1)
VICTORY FOR RUI COSTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #LaVuelta23
