Kuss doesn't want to think about Tour de France classification yet after Vuelta feat: "Actually, I find the role of joker cool"

In the Vuelta a España, Jumbo-Visma demonstrated their dominance, with the Dutch powerhouse completely dominating the final podium in Madrid. Sepp Kuss ultimately secured victory in the Spanish stage race, with Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic following closely behind. The day after clinching the overall victory, Kuss flew back to the Netherlands. Not long after, he was welcomed at Jumbo-Visma's headquarters, known as the killer bees. During this visit, the cheerful climber took some time to answer questions from the cycling newsroom, which included IDLProCycling.com!

It was Tuesday, September 19, 2023, around noon, when a yellow-and-black Jumbo-Visma team car arrived near the team's Service Course in Den Bosch. The location was conveniently close to both the A2 and A59 motorways. The car pulled up right in front of the main entrance, and Sepp Kuss, the 29-year-old victor of the prestigious Spanish cycling race, was welcomed with enthusiastic applause and cheers from numerous Jumbo-Visma staff members.

Amid the billowing red smoke from countless smoke bombs, Kuss, the lean American rider, occasionally appeared as a fleeting shadow, making his way inside, followed by his entourage. Inside the highly professional and stylishly adorned main office, a series of speeches commenced. The speakers included CEO Richard Plugge, team manager Marc Reef, sports director Merijn Zeeman, Kuss' support team (comprising his wife and mother), and, of course, the main attraction himself.

"Ad fundum king" Kuss will celebrate Vuelta victory well in coming weeks

After a series of speeches, the press had the opportunity to ask questions, as they were eager to hear - despite having inquired numerous times - about Kuss's experience in the Vuelta. "It's incredibly satisfying, especially since it's my favorite race of all," began the amiable rider from Durango, Colorado. "Ever since I turned pro, I've participated in this race every year. But before the race, my focus was primarily on supporting Jonas and Primoz, not on contending for the overall classification," he honestly admitted. "Of course, we had a plan in place for which stages I could take it a bit easier and which stages I needed to be at the forefront."

IDLProCycling.com was curious about Kuss's festive side, particularly after his victory on stage six of the Vuelta. On that occasion, the climbing expert not only triumphed on the bike but also celebrated with a magnificent 'ad fundum' on the podium. "We did celebrate, no doubt about it. However, it wasn't the wildest celebration imaginable, as there was a need for some decompression. Besides, after such a grueling tour, you're always relieved when it's over and you can escape the hustle and bustle. It's nice to find some peace," he chuckled. "But in the upcoming weeks, there will definitely be some partying, I'm sure of that. And I think it'll happen in various places with different groups."

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Many cyclists who deliver exceptional performances often reward themselves with a gift afterward. Kuss admits he's inclined to do the same but hasn't yet decided on the exact nature of his reward. "I'm definitely planning to get something, preferably something that reminds me of the Vuelta," he says with his characteristic smile. "But for the immediate future, I'm looking forward to enjoying some downtime the most – relaxation and leisure," he adds. "I'll continue training a bit, of course, because that's the sensible thing to do. I simply love riding my bike, even without the pressure of competition. The Vuelta was my last race of the year, so I finished the season on a high."

Kuss not thinking about Tour de France final classification (for now)

Kuss has participated in five consecutive Grand Tours, including Roglic's Giro victory and Vingegaard's Tour de France triumph. He played a crucial role as a domestique in both successes. Given these extended stints away from home, will this American rider based in Andorra return to his homeland at all? "Certainly, I'm heading back to Durango at the end of September, a bit earlier than usual. The weather is still lovely there, so it should be great. I plan to stay a bit longer to have more time to catch up with everyone," he says. "I've received tremendous support from America over the past few weeks. Even the local bike shop was airing the Vuelta live! It's heartwarming to see how much it means to the people I grew up with. That really touches me."

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The winner of a 2021 Tour stage suspects that his victory might have further elevated the status of cycling in America. "It's not the Tour de France, of course, but it's a significant step forward. More and more people are realizing its importance for the United States. Hopefully, I've been able to inspire many and offer fresh perspectives on cycling. American cycling is already on the rise, with riders like Matteo Jorgenson, Neilson Powless, and Brandon McNulty achieving great results. However, many in my country still associate cycling with the era of Lance Armstrong. It would be nice if that perception starts to change. Nonetheless, it's challenging to determine if America truly needs a new classification rider, as I'm uncertain about how the passion for racing will develop among us."

Despite Kuss's newfound confidence in his ability to win a major tour, he isn't getting ahead of himself. Pursuing an overall victory in the Tour de France isn't currently a top priority for him. "It's a whole different ballgame than the Vuelta. Besides, the Vuelta suits me best. The Tour is much more frenetic, and the transition stages in France are tougher. The climbs also aren't as favorable for me since they tend to be less steep. Next year, I'll likely be a domestique again, but the role of a joker is also something I'm considering!"