Sepp Kuss, new leader of the Vuelta, on whether he can win it: "We'll see, but it was super impressive"

The new red jersey of the Vuelta a Espana, Sepp Kuss, was ecstatic after the eighth stage of the Spanish race. The American was aware that he could finish the day in first position if the young Frenchman Lenny Martinez did not hold the wheel of the favorites in Xorret de Catí.

"I always knew there was a chance I could take the jersey," he told the press after the stage, more than satisfied. The American had another outstanding performance, trying a surprise attack on the climb that didn't come to fruition: "I felt good, so I tried."

Kuss not only took the Vuelta leader's red jersey, but also claimed a personal victory on stage six of the competition. However, on this occasion, his main goal was to support his teammate Primoz Roglic, who eventually won the stage. Kuss praised Roglic's performance and his attacking strategy: "I had already said that I wanted to go for it. At the bottom of the climb he already wanted to attack, but I told him I would go first. That's why I had to push hard at the top, but then it's crazy to see Primoz win."

In addition to his stage success, Kuss also took the Vuelta leader's red jersey, an achievement he discovered after crossing the finish line. His humility and joy at this additional recognition were evident in his words, "I didn't realize it until after the finish, so it's pretty cool."

Sepp Kuss, an American cyclist with great potential and skills in the mountains, is now in a prime position to fight for victory in the Vuelta a España. Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Chris Horner, the last American leader and winner of the Vuelta, Kuss faces an exciting challenge ahead. Can he repeat Horner's feat? As he says: "We'll see, but it was super-impressive."