For Caden Groves, 2022 was a breakthrough year with three wins, including a stage win at the Vuelta a España. But it is clear that the 24-year-old, who will move to Alpecin de Seuninck in 2023, is looking for an even bigger leap forward.

Even his first race with his new team this season wasn't enough for a podium finish. Instead, he was more than happy with the podium Caleb Yuan stepped on at the Schwalbe Classic, a prelude to the Tour Down Under.

"It's not so bad," Groves, who finished third on the podium at the Village of the Tour Down Under in central Adelaide, told Cycling News.

"But third place in the first race of the season, and as part of a new team, is not bad.

"I mean, like I said yesterday, we need to get to know each other and obviously we're going to make some mistakes this week.

"I can't blame everyone. Perhaps in the finals, we were simply out of position, but it's better to stretch this wrinkle today for next week." [BikeExchange-Jayco to Alpecin-Deceuninck

Groves' high expectations for this season are well This is a reaction that shows how high the expectations are for Groves this season. This race qualifies him for the World Tour, but is not really part of the Tour Down Under. But I think I'm in good enough shape to win this week, and I'd like to win here.

That said, the Willunga Hill climb has been eliminated from the race this year, with stage 4 finishing in the townships instead, but not without a climb. Next week's race will feature the Corkscrew Road in stage 3 and the multiple climbs of Mount Lofty in the finale of stage 5.

"It's a tough race this year," said the team's leader. There are no pure sprint stages, which I think suits me, but I'll have to see how my legs feel."

"I also think the Willunga stage is good. But Caleb is in really good shape and ...... And there are players like Matthews."

Simon Yates will also add climbing ability to the team if Grand Tour riders like Ben O'Connor (AG2R Citroen) and Giro d'Italia winner Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) put pressure on the climbs.

Groves is now with a new team, but has made it clear that he is not leaving the Australian team, which signed Dutch sprinter Dylan Groenewegen last year, but is running for a chance.

"Team Bike Exchange has helped me to become the rider I am today, and I am very happy to be a part of it.

In 2023, Groves said his goal is a full WorldTour calendar that includes races such as Tirreno Adriatico, Volta a Catalunya, and the Giro d'Italia.

"I want to chase wins as much as I can this season, and with a great strong sprint-focused team and a committed lead behind me, I believe it will be a really good year.