"Jonas is getting better and better" Sepp Kuss confirms as Jumbo-Visma look to strike Pogacar

With Jumbo-Visma being a team that has to go on the offensive this year, Sepp Kuss' role at the first summit finish of the Tour de France - the Planche des Belles Filles - was different, as the team is looking ahead and confident they can take down Tadej Pogacar.

On the first summit finish UAE Team Emirates gave it their all to fight for the stage win. Jumbo-Visma have in the meanwhile enjoyed a calmer day, with a sharp finale, with both Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic riding to expectations and climbing up the GC. Kuss himself finished tenth, showing good form although not playing a role in the overall classification.

“It was really good, especially that Primož was there after the crash he had a few days ago. It shows he’s coming back and, of course, Jonas we know is really strong, but I think a stage like today is perfect for Pogačar, a 20-minute climb with a punchy finish," the American told VeloNews. "With Jonas and Primož and the way that they did today we can be confident when the big mountains come,” Kuss said.

After dislocating his shoulder two days ago, the Slovenian rode to third place on the day, 12 seconds down on the leading duo. “It’s not surprising, he’s always fighting despite setbacks, and for any rider, it’s hard to ride at your best level after a crash, especially when you want to be in top form. It’s also mentally being able to be resilient and he shows that,” Kuss said regarding his teammate.

As for Jonas Vingegaard, who now leads the main aspirations for the team, he has assured: “I think it’s a good sign that he was that close because normally it would be a more convincing win because it’s the perfect finish for Pogačar. I think Jonas is getting better and better, and when the big Alpine stages come, he will be even stronger than he is now.”

The high mountains of the second and third weeks will be a better fit for the Dane, as he's shown last year. He is currently sitting only 35 seconds behind Tadej Pogacar and seems to be the only rider not only in striking distance, but also having the legs to cause damage and turn the GC around.

“I think that gives Jonas a lot of confidence that he can be that close to him on a finish that’s really suited for him and maybe less for Jonas. The whole team is really strong, and we’re really motivated," Kuss concluded.