Dylan Groenewegen says he’s happy with fourth place on stage two of the Giro d’Italia 2021, but added he’s “a winner and always wants more.”
The Jumbo-Visma rider returned to the peloton on the second day of racing in Italy, having served a nine-month ban following a crash with Fabio Jakobsen last season.
Groenwegen was well positioned in the sprint finish in Novara, battling with the leaders but eventually finishing in fourth place, as Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Fenix) rode to victory.
Speaking after the finish Groenewegen, 27, said: “The feeling after a really long time is okay. If you take fourth place in your first sprint again after nine months, then you need to be happy, but I'm a winner and I always want always more. But fourth place in the first sprint is not bad.”
Groenewegen was handed a nine-month ban by the UCI last year, after he pushed Deceuninck - Quick-Step’s Fabio Jakobsen into the barrier at high speed during the sprint finish on stage one of the 2020 Tour of Poland.
As his ban came to an end the day before the 2021 Giro started in Turin, Groenewegen was drafted in to join Jumbo-Visma last minute when another rider was forced to drop out due to eye problems.
Groenewegen was recently criticised by his compatriot Jakobsen, who said he was disappointed Groenewegen had spoken to the press about a meeting between the two riders that was supposed to remain confidential, adding the sprinter is still yet to personally apologise or take responsibility for his actions, which left Jakobsen in a medically-induced coma.
Last month, Groenewegen revealed to the Dutch press that he and Jakobsen had recently met for the first time since the Tour of Poland crash, which left Jakobsen with multiple, serious injuries and Groenewegen with the nine-month suspension. The aim was for the two riders to come to an understanding of the incident.
>>> Giro d'Italia 2021 standings: The latest results from the 104th edition
On his form after the first road stage of the 2021 Giro, Groenewegen said: “The legs are really perfect, so I'm Iooking forward to the next sprint.
“My team did a really nice job.”
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
No turns, giving up and learning from mistakes: dissecting a curious stage three of the Volta a Catalunya
Why did the chase group give up? What was Primož Roglič playing at?
-
Carbon vs steel for bikepacking: which frame material is best for multi-day adventures?
We put a carbon and steel gravel bike to the test on a four-day loop around Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains
-
Opening weekend heralds a changing of the classics hierarchy
The stars have aligned for Jumbo-Visma to replace Soudal-Quick Step as the classics team to beat
-
Hold my beer, Tadej: Jonas Vingegaard wins at his first opportunity in 2023
Jumbo-Visma's Dane flies off the front of the bunch to take victory at O Gran Camiño
-
The Politest Man in Cycling - five days chasing victory with new sensation Thomas Gloag
Britain's latest cycling prodigy is as cheery and humble as they come
-
Jumbo-Visma DS: There are some big talents coming out of Britain
The WorldTour team sees great potential in the current crop of British riders
-
From Grand Tour victories to gold medals: The nine best signings of 2022
We look back at the signings that made the biggest impacts during this year's season
-
'I remember the crowds more than anything': Tom Pidcock recalls his Alpe d'Huez Tour de France stage win
Our male rider of the year, Tom Pidcock, talks us through the highs and lows of his 2022 campaign
-
Watch: Jumbo-Visma 2023 team launch
Stream the Dutch super team's presentation
-
Wout van Aert moots building gravel world championships into 2023 programme
Belgian rider says gravel racing has a ‘great future’ as he considers worlds participation next year
