Groves receives a late season call from Mitchelton-SCOTT

Young Australian Kaden Groves has been picked up by Mitchelton-Scott as a stagiaire for the remainder of the 2019 season ahead of a full-time role with the team in 2020.

Kaden Groves. Source: Supplied

It isn't Groves' first contact with the GreenEdge organisation, the 20-year-old sprinter rode with its continental team in 2018 before a shift to SEG Racing Academy for 2019.

His return comes after he took three stage wins in China in 2018 with another five this season, including two at Circuit des Ardennes International.

He will ride with SEG Racing Academy at the Tour de l’Avenir later this week, a race for young prospects and often seen as a miniature version of the Tour d France, before his first appearance in Mitchelton-Scott colours at the Brussels Cycling Classic in September.

“I really enjoyed my time in the development team and I can’t wait to be back in that environment," Groves said.

“After experiencing new challenges and a European calendar with SEG Racing Academy I feel ready to develop further in the professional peloton and learn from the experience of the Mitchelton-SCOTT riders and staff.

“I see myself as a sprinter who can lead out and survive some climbs, but above all, I want to develop as a better rider and again learn from the experience of the riders and supporting staff so I am excited to work with the guys to achieve the best results possible for the team.”

Mitchelton-Scott has been short of genuine finishing speed since the move by Caleb Ewan to Lotto Soudal - and while Groves is not yet ready to mix it with the best in the world in the biggest races his potential is a big plus for Mitchelton-Scott as it looks to round out its arsenal.

“Kaden spent a year in our development team a couple of years ago and we really saw some talent there," Mitchelton-Scott sporting Director Matt White said. "This year, with SEG Racing Academy, he has really hit his straps, won a number of races and has had some really consistent results in this first half of the season.

“He is only 20 years of age and a very exciting prospect. As with any really young guys, we don’t know what his full potential is just yet, but he is very versatile, he is obviously very fast, can do a very good prologue and can win sprints uphill and on the flat."