"I'm really looking forward to this week's mountain stages" - Sepp Kuss safely through tough opener at the Volta a Catalunya

On the opening stage of the 2024 Volta a Catalunya, there was possible more to lose than to gain for Team Visma | Lease a Bike duo, Sepp Kuss and Cian Uijtdebroeks. Thankfully, they made it through the day unscathed. 

“It was still quite a tough day. This way we could make a nice living. As a team we were at the appointment when it was necessary," reflected the American, Vuelta a Espana winner who was back racing on Spanish soil. "I feel pretty good myself. I'm really looking forward to this week's mountain stages. There are quite a few of these.”

Kuss isn't the only GC hopeful within Team Visma | Lease a Bike at this year's edition of the Volta a Catalunya however, as the team opt for a two-pronged attack with Cian Uijtdebroeks. “On paper it was not the most difficult day of the week,” added Uijtdebroeks. “But it was nevertheless a very hectic day. It was especially important for Sepp and me not to lose time unnecessarily. This was achieved, partly because of the work of the team. In the final the pace increased and I noticed that my legs felt very good. That bodes well for the coming days.”

There was some disappointment though, as Bart Lemmen crashed out of the race. “It doesn't look very good considering his injuries. We still have to wait and see what the verdict will be. Bart is now on his way to the hospital for further examination,” sports director Marc Reef concludes.