"I am very relaxed" - Sepp Kuss set for race-defining time-trial in battle for the Red Jersey at the Vuelta a Espana

For a long time, fans have wondered how Sepp Kuss would fare if given a leadership role rather than that of a super-domestique. Depending on the results of Tuesday's individual time-trial at the Vuelta a Espana, we may soon find out.

“Yesterday Primoz advised me to sleep in the red sweater, but it was too hot in the bedroom. But maybe it's a nice pair of pyjamas," the American laughed to open his post-stage 9 interview with Eurosport after another dramatic day in Spain.

“It was very tough," Kuss recaps of a stage that saw echelons, attempted early raids and a somewhat neutralised finish due to mud concerns. “You never know with echelons. It all came back together in the end, but it's better to be in the front than chasing. It was very tough and we always had an excess number in the groups.”

"It wasn't an easy day, not for anyone. The final was very explosive, there were some gaps because it was such a tough day," he concludes, before casting an eye towards the monumental time-trial on Tuesday that could come to define the race. "I am very relaxed. I'm going to do my best to do everything I can. I have to be relaxed and confident. We'll see how it will turn out.”