"I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm going to enjoy this first" - Sepp Kuss plays down talks of GC challenge after stunning stage win at La Vuelta

So often seen working in the aid of others, Sepp Kuss thrived when given a chance to shine for himself on stage 6 at the 2023 Vuelta a Espana, taking a stage win and placing himself right in the GC mix.

"It was an incredibly tough stage. We wanted to join the leading group to test Soudal - Quick Step. That was our main goal," said the American, Jumbo-Visma star in his post-stage interview. "Dylan van Baarle, Atilla Valter and Jan Tratnik were also part of the team. That was perfect, I have to thank them for all the work they did. The whole day I felt super, super good. I was only concerned with when to place my attack. The whole climb I enjoyed the environment, the Vuelta is a very special race for me."

Focusing on the stage win, Kuss came six seconds away from the taking the Red Jersey, that accolade going the 20-year-old Groupama - FDJ climber, Lenny Martinez. From this position though, Kuss is now a viable GC contender although he's keen to cool talk of a Red Jersey challenge.

“For me, winning a stage is great. I don't know exactly where I stand in the standings," he says with a smile. "I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm going to enjoy this first."