"There is hardly a better way to fight back" - Sepp Kuss impressed by Remco Evenepoel

Remco Evenepoel soared to the stage win today at the Vuelta a Espana, whilst in the peloton was a very different story. Sepp Kuss maintained his red jersey safe in what was an important and tough day, standing strong in another test to his race lead.

“I'm happy for him that he won after his disappointing day on Friday. There is hardly a better way to fight back," the American said of Remco Evenepoel's achievement this Saturday. "We knew he was motivated to attack, but we weren't really worried about it. We just had to stay grouped until the [Port de] Larrau.” Jumbo-Visma didn't have to do too much work, UAE Team Emirates at first tried to control the breakaway, and then pushed up the first two climbs of the day.

Juan Ayuso then launched two attacks in Larrau, which saw only a few riders being able to react, but Kuss was alive to the occasion and responded successfully. The pace then slowed down as Jumbo-Visma were clearly in control of the race. “Luckily we kept control and stayed together until the finish. We knew it was one of the better opportunities for the competition to try something else," he continued.

“The pace on the first two climbs was very high and UAE Team Emirates rode a great stage, but the three of us stayed together and Attila Valter and Robert Gesink were also able to return," he added. The trio then didn't have to respond to any attack on the final ascent, with Bahrain - Victorious also keeping a high pace all the way into the line. "So we've never really been in trouble." Into stage 15, Kuss continues to lead the Vuelta with 1:37 minutes over Primoz Roglic.