“I was there in the key moments of the Giro but in the end, it was up to Primoz" - Sepp Kuss again aids Jumbo-Visma to Grand Tour success

Is there a better super-domestique in the peloton today than Jumbo-Visma's Sepp Kuss? Once again the American came to the fore as gradients steepened and the air thinned, aiding Primoz Roglic in his successful quest to claim the Giro d'Italia.

“He’s such a fighter and I think that’s what makes him a true champion; the way he overcomes all the setbacks he’s had in his career,” the 28-year-old told Cycling News, full of praise for his team leader. “He’s had a lot of triumphs, let's not forget that, and he makes winning look easy sometimes but the way he overcomes the low points is what separates him from the rest.”

Read also

Fan who pushed Primoz Roglic at dramatic time-trial chain-slip revealed to be former ski jumpking teammate

Whilst Roglic was simply on another level when it came to the decisive stage 20 time-trial, on stage 16 when the Slovenian was having something of an off day, Kuss was there to help limit the losses and keep Roglic in Maglia Rosa contention. Speaking modestly though about his own efforts, Kuss is quick to point out that the credit should be wholly directed to his leader.

“I was there in the key moments of the Giro but in the end, it was up to Primoz and he produced a performance. It was beautiful to see," Kuss says. “Whenever I can be there to help him out, I take a lot of pride in that. That gives me the same satisfaction as if I'd won. It’s an honour to be there to support him.”

Read also

Analysis: 5 takeaways from the 2023 Giro d'Italia