Sepp Kuss is ready to shine as he begins his title defense at the 2024 Spanish Vuelta. Last year, Kuss claimed victory in an unforgettable race, beating top riders Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard. This year, however, things are different.
Roglic has switched teams and now rides for Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe. Vingegaard, on the other hand, is skipping the Vuelta to rest and prepare for the arrival of his child. With these changes, Sepp Kuss takes on a leading role for Team Visma-Lease a Bike.
“I want to honor the race wearing the No. 1,” Sepp Kuss shared on Thursday. “Last year’s win was under special circumstances. Without Jonas and Primoz this time, there’s not more pressure, but you do feel the need to stay focused for the entire race.”
Sepp Kuss arrives in strong form, having recently won the Burgos Vuelta. He missed the Tour de France earlier this year due to COVID-19, but is now fully recovered and ready for the challenge.
The absence of Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar is another major change this year. Pogacar, who also took the Giro d’Italia title, will not be competing in Spain. Remco Evenepoel, who finished third in the Tour de France, is also missing as he focuses on his success at the Paris Olympics, where he secured two gold medals for Belgium.
The 2024 Spanish Vuelta kicks off in Lisbon, with the first three stages taking place in Portugal. The three-week race features eight mountain stages and two individual time trials. There will only be one flat stage, making this year’s Vuelta particularly challenging.
“La Vuelta 24 will offer spectacular views, especially in a monumental city like Lisbon,” said race director Javier Guillén.
This edition of the Vuelta also introduces new safety measures, including a yellow card system designed to prevent unsafe behavior from riders, motorbikes, and sports directors.
Sepp Kuss is prepared to face the unique challenges of this year’s race, determined to defend his title and prove his strength as a leader. The journey begins now.
