"I lost twenty to thirty seconds, so I'm actually quite happy with that" - Sepp Kuss unable to match the best on staggeringly steep stage 4 finale at La Vuelta

Defending Vuelta a Espana champion Sepp Kuss was a notable absentee from the lead group in the finale of the first summit finish, on stage 4 at the 2024 edition of the Spanish Grand Tour. In the end, the American crossed the line in 11th, losing 28 seconds to former teammate Primoz Roglic.

"It was a big group, so it was quite nervous on that climb," the Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader reflects in his initial post-stage interview, reflecting on the brutal nature of the staggeringly steep Pico Villuercas. "It's been a while since I've done such a short effort, but the feeling was good. I think I lost twenty to thirty seconds, so I'm actually quite happy with that."

Already some time behind after the opening stage individual time trial, Kuss now finds himself 13th in the general classification, already 1:14 down on Roglic overall, who takes over the Red Jersey as a result of his stage winning performance on stage 4.

"It was a calm day. I think everyone was a bit reserved, because if you go over your limit in this heat, you feel it immediately. Everyone knew that, but in the end it was still going over your limit," reflects Kuss of the day. "Everyone knew that Primoz would be the favourite. He is always strong, but certainly in the Vuelta. This is yet another confirmation, especially since he rode in front from the foot to the top of the final climb. He came across as very strong."