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Renowned cycling talent Sepp Kuss has officially taken himself out of the running for the upcoming Giro d’Italia, displaying a shift in his approach to competition following significant personal growth and achievement.
The 29-year-old, having played a pivotal role as a super domestique in aiding his Jumbo-Visma teammates, Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard, to victories in both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, subsequently made a surprising leap to clinch the Vuelta a España title.
During a recent event in Singapore for the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, Kuss revealed his tentative plans for the upcoming season, suggesting a more selective approach to his race participation. He expressed a desire to return to the Giro.
Still, he acknowledged the timing might not be right for 2024, hinting at the extensive time trial kilometers as a determining factor, as well as his eagerness to concentrate his efforts on the Tour de France.
Kuss's Off-Season Celebration
Kuss has undoubtedly made the most of the off-season, celebrating his Vuelta triumph back home in Durango, Colorado, before embarking on a promotional tour of Southeast Asia.
Despite the extensive travel and festivities, he has maintained motivation and enthusiasm for the sport, crediting his success in the previous season as a significant confidence booster. His experience at the Vuelta has proven transformative, teaching him about his capacities and challenging his previously held beliefs about his limits.
Although he didn’t start the race with ambitions for the general classification, circumstances evolved, and he found himself able to contend for the title. Kuss adapted brilliantly, demonstrating not only his physical prowess but also his mental resilience.
The dynamics within the Jumbo-Visma team also came under scrutiny during this period, particularly in light of Roglič's subsequent move to Bora-Hansgrohe for 2024. Kuss offered his perspective on the situation, noting the complexities of leadership within a team boasting multiple Tour de France champions.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Kuss seems poised to embrace a more versatile role within his team. He’s open to the possibilities that lie ahead, whether that means pursuing individual glory or supporting his teammates in their quests for victory.
His grounded demeanour and unwavering commitment to the team ethos have positioned him as one of the most respected figures in the sport. As he navigates the next chapter of his career, he does so with a newfound sense of confidence and clarity.