Alpecin-Premier Tech will have to adjust ambitions for this year's Giro d'Italia as Kaden Groves, their "best weapon" for stage wins, abandoned the race in the early flat kilometres of stage 4 on Tuesday.

The Belgian team confirmed on social media that the Australian would not continue due to injuries suffered on the opening day of the three-week Grand Tour.

"Unfortunately, Kaden Groves has abandoned the Giro d’Italia during today’s stage," Alpecin-Premier Tech posted to Instagram.

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