Mike O'Connor
Australian sprinter Kaden Groves has abandoned the 2026 Vuelta a España during Stage 9, ending his bid for a third consecutive points classification victory at the Spanish Grand Tour.
Groves was listed as a DNF after the 187.4km stage from La Vila Joiosa to the summit finish at Alto de Aitana. He was one of three riders to abandon the stage, alongside UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Pablo Torres and Victor Langellotti of XDS Astana.
The exact reason for Groves’ withdrawal has not been publicly detailed by his team or the Vuelta.
However, the Australian had already been involved in a crash during Stage 8, which left him with abrasions. He subsequently started the brutally mountainous Stage 9, but did not finish.
Groves entered the Vuelta as Alpecin-Premier Tech’s designated sprinter and one of the main contenders for the green points jersey.
The 27-year-old had won the classification in both 2023 and 2024, while also collecting seven Vuelta stage victories across those editions.
The withdrawal brings another frustrating chapter to what has been a difficult 2026 season for Groves. He also abandoned the Giro d’Italia in May after suffering injuries in an early crash.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
