Sepp Kuss: Could the Underdog Surprise at the Algarve Tour?

Sepp Kuss: The Underdog's Journey

Today, during the 19.6-kilometer time trial between Salir and Alto do Malhão, Sepp Kuss, the American cyclist based in Andorra, may not be among the favorites, but he remains hopeful for his teammate Jonas Vingegaard to clinch victory.

Kuss has returned to his role as a ‘domestique’ but does not rule out his potential in the overall standings of major tours this season. "It's great to be back. It's a race I enjoy, perfect for starting the season," he told Lusa agency backstage at the 51st Algarve Tour, where he currently sits in 40th place going into the final stage, following an 8th place finish last year.

The once-celebrated winner of the Vuelta 2023 seems to have faded from the spotlight, as foreign journalists no longer seek him out, contrasting sharply with the previous year when he was a fan favorite.

Kuss’s triumph in the Vuelta led him to believe he could be more than just a support rider. However, 2024 has shown that he is primarily a ‘domestique’, with only a win at the Burgos Tour and a 14th place finish in Spain.

His main objectives remain the Tour de France and the Vuelta, as he builds his form for these races. However, questions about his status in these events seem to unsettle him, as he prefers to focus on doing his best and supporting his teammates.

At 30, Kuss is also navigating a new phase of life after becoming a father in October. He acknowledges the change but notes that his commitment to cycling remains largely the same, even if he now balances it with family life.

As he prepares for the time trial today, Kuss may not be a frontrunner, yet his eyes are set on witnessing his teammate, Vingegaard, achieve success for Visma-Lease a Bike.