Episode 1 – Road to France
“If we make a plan, then they do it, so I really believe in these guys.” – Groenewegen
“It was definitely something we needed, but even more so, something that Dylan needed.” – Copeland
“It is all about the trust, like okay, if I follow him, nine times out of ten I will end up where I want to be.” – Mezgec
In this opening episode of ‘Part 2 – Back to Business at the Tour,’ we explore the motivations and dynamics of bringing one of the world’s best sprinters into Team BikeExchange-Jayco, with the well-publicised goal and expectation of winning a Tour de France stage.
29-year-old Dylan Groenewegen joined Team BikeExchange-Jayco on January 1st, 2022, and despite coming from an all-Dutch background, he quickly settled into the ‘Aussie’ mentality, gelling well with his new teammates to deliver a dream start, with a phenomenal stage victory in his first race with the squad in AlUla.
The Dutch superstar, with his calm and a collected demeanour, found his feet exceptionally fast, gaining instant respect amongst his teammates and despite the change of team and huge expectation resting on his shoulders, Dylan began to perform, taking victories each month that went by.
With the Tour de France the main goal of the year for the Amsterdam born fast-man, by the time he arrived at the Grand Depart in Copenhagen, Dylan had racked up five race wins, but with the first week providing real sprint opportunities and a team made up of lead-out men purely to support him, there was no place to hide. The pressure was on internally and externally, and the need for victory lingered in the air.
Sit back and enjoy ‘Episode 1 – Road to France’ as we go behind the scenes and follow Dylan’s emotive journey back to the top step of the Tour de France, feel the emotions of how meaningful and beautiful the win was for Dylan, Giant and Team BikeExchange-Jayco.
Don’t forget, you can also still catch up on the entire ON THE WHEEL series to date:
ON THE WHEEL
Part 1 – Journey to the Giro
Episode 1 – Boy from Bury
Episode 2 – The Racing Line
Episode 3 – Final Touches
Episode 4 – Italian Rollercoaster
PART 2: Back to Business at the Tour
Episode 1 – Road to France
