Veteran Dylan Groenewegen had secured the first victory of the season and his 78th of his career for the pink and blue clad United Rose Rockets. The Classica Comunitat Valenciana is only the Rocket’s third race day of the season, and star signing Dylan Groenewegen’s first, and their first victory of 2026. The Dutchman was well positioned, beating young Frenchman Paul Magnier in the sprint.
A strong start to the season, as a top ProTeam ranking would allow the Rockets to choose which races they want to ride in 2027, and one of their goals is for a 2026 Tour de France wildcard.
“What a rollercoaster today! First race for me in the car, coaching on the radio through a hard day of racing . After blowing everything to pieces in the echelon, the team brought Dylan Groenewegen in a perfect position for a victory!! Congrats to everyone from the whole team with this fantastic start. I feel like a little boy winning his first race!! So happy with this team effort.”
-Marcel Kittel Sprint Coach.
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For Harry Sweeny (EF Education Easypost), who has spent the majority of his WorldTour career in service of others, a podium at the Tour Down Under might be turning point for the Aussie climber. He admitted that the responsibilities of leadership, specifically the need to direct his colleagues did not come naturally.
“Telling the guys where to be, calling them back, asking them to do things, that’s not really my style. I’m usually the one doing it for someone else. It’s a mindset shift, but it’s something I’m learning. If you told me a month ago I’d be on the GC podium, it would be a surprise. I felt really special and I had some really good legs and it was the first time in a long time that I’ve asked to ride for myself. I had the team’s blessing and the whole team’s support.”
-Harry Sweeny
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