"This changes my life" - Super-domestique no more, Sepp Kuss is a Grand Tour winner

After so many years riding in the service of others, Sepp Kuss has claimed glory for himself at the 2023 Vuelta a Espana, becoming the first American winner since Chris Horner in 2013.

“Today I had the most trouble of the entire race. This was incredible. Now I'm especially happy that it's done,” Kuss laughs in his post-stage interview after a thrilling finale the Vuelta saw Kaden Groves take stage 21 victory. “I already had the feeling that it was going to happen quickly, because they were ready to attack early in the stage. I suffered a lot because of that, even more than on the Angliru. But it's nice to end it like this.”

Kuss has for so long helped the likes of Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard to Grand Tour glory so to have his own moment is a special feeling for the Jumbo-Visma rider. “I remain myself. It does change my life, but I look back on it with many wonderful memories. It still has to sink in. That does take some time," Kuss says.

“Tonight we are going to have a big party," he concludes. "My family and friends are here. That will be very special, including the riders and the staff."