Kaden Groves takes over the green jersey with mixed feelings: “Pretty nasty way”

Wout van Aert’s abandonment in stage 16 of the Vuelta has made Kaden Groves the new leader in the points classification. The Australian sprinter takes over the green jersey with mixed feelings, but now has a golden opportunity to win the points classification in the Vuelta for the second year in a row.

“I didn’t expect to get the green jersey today at all,” said the 25-year-old sprinter. “Wout had such a convincing lead in the points classification. And when I started the Vuelta, I knew it was very likely that he would take the green jersey. Not to mention that he was also leading the mountain classification. I don’t know the situation. All I know is that he abandoned the race and that it’s a pretty nasty way to take the green jersey.”

The focus needs to be shifted quickly though. Tomorrow is a stage with opportunities for sprinters. Although with the retirement of Wout van Aert, one team is less prepared to control the stage. “Tomorrow is really complicated. I think it’s a good stage for us, but on paper it’s also a very good stage for the leading group. So I think controlling will be very difficult and a big day for the team.”