Sepp Kuss: Can He Beat Pogačar? – Cycling Strategy
Updated January 16, 2026 07:42AM
There’s no identity crisis for Sepp Kuss at the opening of his 10th season.
Now 31, Kuss knows exactly who he is and why he races.He’s firmly established as one of the WorldTour’s most lethal climbing domestiques, and enters 2026 confident in the seemingly impractical task of helping Jonas Vingegaard topple Tadej Pogačar.
With his victory at the 2023 Vuelta a España now in the rearview, he’s long buried his own personal ambitions to be at the service of others.
It’s a role he embraces, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own finish line this season.
Kuss, speaking to the Spanish daily Marca, said there’s one box he wants to tick in 2026.
“As a personal goal, I’d like to win a stage in the Giro, as it’s the only victory missing from my palmarès,” kuss told Marca.”Let’s see if it can happen this year.”
Sprinter ace Tyler Farrar remains the only American male to win stages in all three grand tours in a run from 2009 to 2011. With stage wins at the Tour de France in 2021, making Kuss the last American to win there, and stages at the Vuelta in 2019 and 2023, a Giro stage victory remains the lone challenge on his career to-do list.
Beyond that personal ambition, Kuss returns to his familiar role as Mr. Reliable.
He is slated to start both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France to help Danish captain vingega“`html
Kuss will return to his familiar role as climbing wingman, and believes his Danish leader is up to the Giro-Tour double both physically and mentally.
“I think Jonas is a rider for the Giro. It’s a course that suits him very well, although this year it’s a bit less demanding,” Kuss said. “Mentally,riding the Giro will be very good for him,and he can arrive at the Tour without the pressure he’s had in recent years.”
With wins at both the Tour and Vuelta, Vingegaard is hoping to join the elusive grand tour club and become only the eighth rider to win all three men’s grand tours.
The ”Durango Kid” believes the Giro-Tour double remains manageable, and even suggested Vingegaard will be better off by taking on the Giro.
“From my point of view, doing the Giro isn’t a problem because it’s almost like a high-altitude training camp,” kuss said. “You get massages every day,you eat well,you take care of yourself,and you’re in good physical shape. There’s no problem.”
The Colorado climber sees enough space between the two races to reset and rebuild, especially with today’s tilt toward nutrition and recovery, but said the psychological load of leadership is the unknown factor.
“There’s enough time between the Giro and the Tour to rest properly and then prepare again. Carrying the pressure of being the leader in a grand tour takes its toll, but physically, the double is possible.”
Taking on Pogačar: ’It’s about being creative with tactics’
Table of Contents
Sepp Kuss: Veteran Captain and Key Support for Vingegaard
This article focuses on professional cyclist Sepp Kuss and his role within the Visma-Lease a Bike team (formerly Visma). it details his experience, family life, and continuing ambition to support Jonas Vingegaard in challenging Tadej Pogačar. The data presented is current as of the article’s publication date, but requires verification against more authoritative sources.
Sepp Kuss’s Career and Role
Sepp Kuss, 31, is entering his 10th season as a captain for Visma-Lease a Bike. He is described as a veteran and experienced rider whose primary role is to excel in climbing stages and assist Jonas Vingegaard in competing against Tadej Pogačar. He demonstrated his capabilities by winning a stage in the 2023 Vuelta a España, becoming the last U.S. rider to win a Grand Tour. https://www.velonews.com/news/news/sepp-kuss-vuelta-a-espana-stage-win/
Rivalry Between Vingegaard and Pogačar
The article highlights the intense competition between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar. Kuss expresses both fear and admiration for pogačar’s relentless drive, noting that despite already achieving significant success, Pogačar continues to seek new challenges and victories. This competitive spirit is mirrored in Vingegaard’s approach.
Kuss’s Personal Life
Kuss has settled into life in Europe, residing with his Spanish wife and her family. This suggests a long-term commitment to the sport and the region.
Visma-Lease a Bike Team
The article references the Visma-Lease a Bike team (formerly Visma), emphasizing Kuss’s long-standing role within the organization. The team is central to Vingegaard’s ambitions and Kuss’s support role. https://www.visma-leaseabike.com/
Breaking News Check (2026/01/17 02:40:34): As of this date, there are no major breaking news developments regarding Sepp Kuss, Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar, or the Visma-Lease a Bike team.The cycling season is approaching, and pre-season training and team announcements are ongoing, but no significant events have altered the information presented in the original article. Recent reports confirm Vingegaard’s continued recovery from injuries sustained in a crash in December 2023, which may impact the dynamic between him and Pogačar. https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vingegaard-recovery-going-well-but-no-racing-plans-yet/