"One viral video of a crash at the Tour de France could do more for cycling in the U.S. than a guy winning the Vuelta" - Sean Quinn on impact of Sepp Kuss' victory

Viewed as potentially one of the future stars of American cycling, Sean Quinn completed the first Grand Tour of his career this year at the Vuelta a Espana. Although the race was a big wakeup call to the 23-year-old, he believes it has left him in a good place going forward.

“I got me teeth kicked a few times this year. I think this Vuelta has given me a lot of perspective of where I am at this stage of my career,” the EF Education-EasyPost rider revealed in conversation with Velo. “It’s been a long ride. I think every day brought a different challenge, but in general, happy to finish it off. It’s been a great experience and I really learned a lot.”

With his compatriot Sepp Kuss having taken overall victory at the Vuelta and the likes of Matteo Jorgenson, Neilson Powless and Brandon McNulty among other all performing at a high level, US cycling is in its best position that it has been for years. Quinn, who took his first professional win this year at the Coppa e Bartali is looking to become the next American success story.

“Sepp is a bit older than me, so I didn’t grow up with him racing. I’ve done a few training camps with him, and every race we do together we talk in the peloton. We have a lot of mutual friends, and we both went to CU-Boulder, so we know a lot of the same people,” Quinn says of the Jumbo-Visma superstar. “I think it shows that we’re not completely out of the game."

Despite this though, Quinn is unsure Kuss's victory will kickstart a cycling boom period stateside. “It’s really random what kind of things can spark a wave. Maybe one viral video of a crash at the Tour de France could do more for cycling in the U.S. than a guy winning the Vuelta. You never know," he says. "Of course, I hope it inspires some kids. In general, it’s great for USA cycling.”