“We had expected more opposition" - Grischa Niermann admits surprise at Jumbo-Visma's Vuelta a Espana dominance

Jumbo-Visma sports director Grischa Niermann could hardly have planned a more perfect race for his team as the one seen at the 2023 Vuelta a Espana. Although the sheer dominance of Jumbo-Visma has come as a surprise even to him.

“We had expected more opposition, but in the end we had the three strongest men in the race. That requires a lot of coaching," Niermann told NOS post-stage 19 with Sepp Kuss, Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic comfortably sitting on the podium places in the general classification. “I'm certainly surprised that we're doing so well."

Having the three top spots in the general classification brings with it challenges of its own however. And Jumbo-Visma have been criticised in some quarters for their tactics that seemingly have seen both Vingegaard and Roglic attacking Kuss.

“We make agreements and tactical plans within the team. We discuss them on the bus, and they stay there. I don't feel like talking to the media about that," he says of the controversy. “It's a complicated situation. Everyone wants to win the Vuelta."

"Of course we have the winners of the Giro and the Tour, but we considered Remco Evenepoel a major competitor, but he no longer plays a role in the rankings. We did not expect men like Ayuso and Mas to be on four minutes," continues the German. “I think the Vuelta has been decided, but we'll see. We are not going to celebrate until Madrid. We are not going to ride for a stage win, but other teams might do that. That would suit us just fine. It is a tough ride with many elevation meters, but we have five super riders who can handle this course well.”