Sepp Kuss looking to defend Vuelta a Espana title but contains expectations: "I don't see myself as the top favorite"

It's not been an easy year for Sepp Kuss. After helping Primoz Roglic win the Giro, doing the same with Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour and winning the Vuelta a España himself in 2023, the American didn't get good results in the races he rode in the first part of the year and then missed the Tour because of Covid-19. However, he has just won the Vuelta aBurgos, so he is full of confidence to try to defend the red in Madrid.

The Visma - Lease a Bike has announced the team with which it will try to defend Kuss' victory starting this coming Saturday, August 17 in Lisbon. As we mentioned, having won again has made the American regain confidence in his chances:

"It was a very satisfying feeling to win in Burgos. It had been a long time since I had raced. It was a good confirmation. I quickly got over the disappointment of missing the Tour, but it was definitely a letdown. Luckily, afterwards I was able to focus on the Vuelta."

He is aware that winning the Vuelta is not the same as winning in Burgos, although he assures that he is fully recovered physically for the challenge. There he beat Max Poole and Finn Fisher-Black, but it was a race where the time-trial was key and the American is far from a specialist in the discipline.

"The win in Burgos gave me confidence, but what I was most happy about was getting back on the bike and riding with the guys. I know the Vuelta will be a completely different story, with a different course and different competition," he continues. "A lot can happen in a three-week race, but I'm happy to feel good physically and mentally. I took it easy for a few days after the COVID-19 infection, but I was able to train well afterwards."

Not a favorite

However, despite his victory last year, he wants to take the pressure off himself and makes it clear from the outset that he is not the favorite to revalidate the title in Madrid:

"It's hard for me to make firm predictions about this Vuelta. I'm starting with a different preparation than in other years. Above all, I want to enjoy the next few weeks. I don't see myself as the top favorite for the final victory. I'm ready to lead the team in the Vuelta, but I don't feel any pressure. I hope I can adapt to the race and quickly find a good rhythm."

A resident in Spain, Kuss is certainly motivated to perform once again in the country he considers a home away from home: "I always enjoy racing the Vuelta. The people along the route are very friendly; they chant my name and make me feel appreciated. This is one of the reasons why I am very excited to race the Vuelta in the next few weeks. I will race as a proud title defender."