"I find the best version of myself when I start to help other riders" - Sepp Kuss to step down into a domestique role after miserable last season
Cycling
Sepp Kuss needs a better season in order to forget the 2024 misery. The American set his ambitions high after unexpected Vuelta 2023 title, but illnesses, injuries and inconsistent form meant that nothing more victory at Vuelta a Burgos was possible for the 30-year-old. Coming into 2025, he hopes turn the page and write a completely new chapter.
"I finished my season after the Vuelta, but I didn't slow down too much after that. I didn't do anything crazy, I just kept cycling," says Kuss in an interview with In de Leiderstrui. "That way I wanted to build a broader base than for 2024, because I think I fell a bit short in that last year. My level was good at certain times last year, but I wasn't consistent enough. Sometimes I was good, but then again not at all. If I can stay healthy, I hope I can do better next season."
The 2024 Vuelta champion intends to be once again at hand for his teammates in the decisive moments, rather than to ride for his own result: "I aspire to be a helper uphill, because that's a lot easier for me than being a leader. I'm good at it and feel comfortable in it, but I also enjoy it," says the American climber.
Although he doesn't fully give up his personal ambitions to strike from breakaways when the opportunity arises. "For me it's all about taking opportunities when they arise, just like in the past."
"I have never taken on the role of leader, except for last year's Vuelta," the Visma | Lease a Bike rider knows. "Even in 2023, that was never on my agenda, but that's just how it went. I'm actually looking for the opposite: I find the best version of myself when I start to help other riders," Kuss says without doubt in his voice.
For Team Visma | Lease a Bike, the 2025 season will be mainly about dethroning Tadej Pogacar, the absolute overlord of last season, at the Tour de France. Sepp Kuss is provisionally among the selected men to support Jonas Vingegaard, but the "right-hand man" title may go to Visma's new signing - Simon Yates.
"He can give us an advantage there. To make a difference uphill, you need riders like him. Guys who can accelerate at the right moment, because with just a hard pace you mustn't make a difference anymore," Kuss recognizes.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Roglic could not have won anyway, after Jonas followed him when Roglic decided it was his turn for a stage win. Jonas had already attacked Kuss twice, so it was Jonas who was within seconds of taking the lead before Kuss was 'gifted' the win. It felt a bit like Roglic was being thrown under the bus when the team made his unhappiness public.Hills3314-11-2026
- POG1, another nice doc about our favourite, I watched most of it with a big smile on my face (except for the bits about his crashes 😢 obvs!).Lozza14-11-2026
- Martinez had a good year! 5th at the Tour was a great result for him, albeit largely through getting in successful breaks, but he held it better than Pidcock who’d done the same.Lozza14-11-2026
- guess what Valgren, you're 34, and no you're not good enough. sorry to say.mij14-11-2026
- I'm a sepp fan and like to think he earned that LOL, indulge me : ) I think Jonas was fine. Roglic did not want to concede to Sepp. and I don't think you ever attack your own teammate in the leaders jersey if he is holding his own, which Sepp just about was.mij14-11-2026
- enough time? he's 24 years old. He's won 10 races over the last 2 years and some are significant. I won't argue about his attitude being good - it needs to improve. But with some coaching and mentorship he has a lot of winning ahead of him and has plenty of time to win a GT. I don't think he will ever beat Tadej, but everyone else is fair game Look at Mas and Valverde - they were 31 and 29, respectively, when they won the Vuelta.mij14-11-2026
- Pogacar has a fine head on his shoulders.Careful investments and a couple of coffee shops sounds like a wonderful way to chill after an intense career.Stay healthy GOAT.
Brucegel14-11-2026 - I live in Maribor.PogiSloFans14-11-2026
- I live in Ljubljana and often go on trips in the surrounding area, where I frequently see young cyclists in 'Pogi Team' jerseys training, either alone or in groups. By simply motivating so many young people to take up cycling, Tadej has already achieved something truly significant.Velijo14-11-2026
- That's an excellent point. It's interesting that Vader came to that realization only after he learned that his contract wasn't going to be renewed.
santiagobenites14-11-2026
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