Groenewegen won the third stage of the Saudi Tour stage race, beating sprint rivals Daniel McLay and Caleb Ewan to the line riding his Giant Propel Advanced SL team bike with a CADEX 65 WheelSystem.
“We made a really good plan, and the tactic was amazing" Groenewegen said. "Everybody did a really good job. It’s only the second sprint for me this year, but it feels like we are already working together for two years.”
Stage 3 of the five-day Saudi Tour, which is part of the UCI Asia Tour, finished in AIUIa Old Town, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Racers faced gusty winds, which splintered the race into echelons early in the 181km stage. An early split saw just 27 riders survive to stay in the front group, with Groenewegen and his teammate Luka Mezgec among them. Ultimately, that group was caught, setting up a dash to the finish with a group of about 50.
“It was a really crazy stage,” Groenewegen said. “Luka Mezgec was there [with me], but then with the headwind everything came back. That was good for us to have everyone there in the final.”
The 2022 Saudi Tour continues with Stage 4 and will conclude Saturday with the final Stage 5.
Греневеген розпочинає новий сезон з перемоги на Турі Саудівської Аравії!
3 лютого 2022 р.
Голландський спринтер Ділан Греневеген після ідеального розвозу вибуховим спринтом здобув свою першу перемогу в сезоні та першу перемогу в якості члена команди BikeExchange-Jayco, їдучи на колесах CADEX.
After a perfect setup from his team, Groenewegen delivered at the line. Getty Sport Images
Riders faced heavy crosswinds that split the group, then a headwind toward the finish of the 181km stage. Getty Sport Images
Flying through the desert on Stage 3 of the five-day Saudi Tour. Getty Sport Images
Groenewegen said after the win that his new leadout train is already clicking. Getty Sport Images