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

Josh Kench’s journey from racing in Asia to nearly claiming a stage victory at the Giro d’Italia highlights a remarkable rise in professional cycling. Just last year, the New Zealander was competing for a third-division Chinese team in races across Uzbekistan, Thailand, and the UAE. Now, riding for Groupama-FDJ United, Kench came close to winning stage 13 of the 2026 Giro, showcasing his climbing prowess and determination in his Grand Tour debut. Despite finishing sixth, his performance marked a significant milestone in his career. During the 189km stage from Alessandria to Verbania, Kench was part of a 15-rider breakaway that included two of his teammates, who played a crucial role in supporting him on the final climb of Ungiasca. As the strongest climber in the French team, he launched an attack 2.5km from the summit but was eventually overtaken by Alberto Bettiol, who took the stage win. Kench acknowledged the tactical work of his team, which controlled the breakaway and neutralised other threats, allowing him to conserve energy for the decisive moments. Reflecting on his performance, Kench admitted to launching his final attack too early, which cost him the chance of victory. He expressed disappointment but also pride in how far he has come, emphasising the support he received from his teammates. His recent successes in Asia, including wins at the Tour of Sharjah and Tour of Bostonliq, had earned him a return to European racing with Groupama-FDJ United, proving his potential on the world stage. Kench’s story underscores the increasingly global nature of professional cycling, with riders developing outside Europe before breaking into top-tier races. His experience also highlights the importance of team strategy and timing in Grand Tour racing. As the Giro progresses, Kench’s performance will be one to watch, potentially signalling the emergence of a new contender in the climbing ranks.