"Timing will be very important" - Can Kaden Groves make it a hattrick of Vuelta stage wins?

The standout sprinter of the 2023 Vuelta a Espana, Kaden Groves is expected to get a third bunch sprint opportunity on stage 7. Having won the previous two, can he make it a hattrick?

“We are now the big favourite, so everyone will be watching us. We will have to take the initiative during the stage," says the Australian, Alpecin-Deceuninck sprint star in a pre-stage 7 interview. “Today is basically the purest sprint of the Vuelta. I also think the wind will play a role.”

Admittedly, there aren't an abundance of top-level sprinters at the race this year but with the likes of Juan Sebastian Molano, Alberto Dainese and the INEOS Grenadiers powerhouse Filippo Ganna, Groves is keen to stress it's by no means a done deal.

"Timing will be very important. I trust my teammates to put me in a good position, because that will also be crucial today," he explains. "Who are the favorites besides myself? This must suit Alberto Dainese very well. I also look at Filippo Ganna, but I don't know if he will sprint.”