For Sepp Kuss, 2023 was surely a season beyond even his wildest dreams. Not only did the American ride all three Grand Tours, but he a key cog in Jumbo-Visma winning a historic hattrick.
Having helped Primoz Roglic to the first Maglia Rosa of his career at the Giro d'Italia, Kuss was then instrumental in Jonas Vingegaard's defence of his Tour de France crown. The piece de resistance however, came at the Vuelta a Espana.
In Spain, Kuss, so long a rider who has worked selflessly in the service of others, got the chance to shine himself. Taking the Red Jersey after an expert breakaway performance, Kuss did not wilt, despite the seeming attacks of his own teammates Vingegaard and Roglic, securing the first individual Grand Tour win of his career.
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Now, on the day his contract with the team has been extended, Kuss has reflected on his year at the Team Visma | Lease a Bike presentation.
"After the Vuelta there has been a lot of time to celebrate," he says with a smile, clearly enjoying life. "It wasn't just about the Vuelta, but about the entire season. For me, the Vuelta is extra special if you look at the season across the board."
We are Team Visma | Lease a Bike. We don't just ride to win, we ride #beyondvictory. 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/8CPFvckpno
— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) December 21, 2023