verbs - Is "a group" singular or plural?


I was wondering what number the verb 'to snowboard' should take in the following sentence:



A group of men, led by Olympic athlete John Rider, snowboard(s) down the gently sloping hills.



Because 'a group snowboards', but 'they snowboard'. The second one sounds better to me.


But can anyone explain me the difference, and which one is right or wrong?




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