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Dan Challis

'I did them proud and I gave it everything' – Josh Kench goes from racing in China to almost winning a Giro d’Italia stage

Michael Valgren of Team EF Education - EasyPost, Alberto Bettiol of Team XDS Astana and Josh Kench and Team Groupama - FDJ United compete in the breakaway during the 109th Giro d'Italia 2026.

Last year, New Zealander Josh Kench was racing in Asia for a third-division Chinese team, competing in races in Uzbekistan, Thailand and the UAE.

It's quite a contrast to stage 13 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, where the Groupama-FDJ United rider was fighting for his first Grand Tour stage victory.

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