Cayden Groves and Team BikeExchange have agreed to a one-year contract extension that will keep the 22-year-old with the Australian team through the end of the 2022 season.

Groves joined the team for the second half of the 2019 season and has developed into one of the team's best sprinters. A two-time stage winner at the Herald Sun Tour, Groves won a stage at the Tour of Slovakia in 2021 and has earned numerous podium finishes throughout a strong European campaign that included several World Tour races.

Team BikeExchange has patiently watched this rider's development and sees him as a future star of the team. He has also won consecutive national criterium titles, and despite what the team calls "multiple setbacks due to injury," BikeExchange continues to find a place for this young rider.

"I had no hesitation in signing Caden for another season. He has proven throughout the year that he can compete in any sprint finish," general manager Brent Copeland said in a statement released by the team.

"This season, he has fallen one centimeter short of the last and has not achieved the results he deserves. However, he is still young and I am convinced that he has a lot of room for improvement. We really look forward to him and his continued development."

Groves' 2022 race program has not yet been finalized, but there is a good chance he will be given his first Grand Tour opportunity during the season. Although Michael Matthews will be leading the line, Groves will have a full race calendar, and the sprinter is motivated to live up to the team's trust.

"I'm really excited to extend my contract with Team Bike Exchange for another season. I'm looking forward to next year with the momentum from winning or coming so close to winning the last few races," Groves said.

"This has been a particularly tough year for a lot of reasons. The team has had my back and supported me throughout my injuries. Especially my coach Ben Day and my teammates were great.