Kuss successfully defends red jersey in chaotic Vuelta stage
“We were right at the front of the peloton”
The ninth stage of the Vuelta a España proved to be chaotic, but Sepp Kuss of Team Jumbo-Visma managed to successfully defend his red jersey. The stage saw a group of thirteen riders break away from the peloton, with seven of them being from Team Jumbo-Visma. Kuss, along with his teammates Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard, Dylan van Baarle, Wilco Kelderman, Attila Valter, and Jan Tratnik, showed their alertness throughout the stage.
“We knew we had to be on top in the opening stage,” Kuss said. “We were right at the front of the peloton. Then, we created a gap. I had a really tough day. Fortunately, my legs were strong enough to consistently ride at the front of the pack. It was a nervous day, partly because of the wind, but I got through it well. The rest day is convenient, but the focus is already on Tuesday’s time trial.”
Roglic also showcases strong form
Roglic, who is also a member of Team Jumbo-Visma, had a strong performance in the ninth stage. He demonstrated his good legs throughout the stage and attacked on the last climb. “The pace was high from the beginning. After we were caught the first time, I thought we could ride relatively calmly to the foot of the final climb. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the last climb, I had the legs to attack. It was quite a tough climb. It’s good to go into the first rest day like this; I think we’ve got through the first nine days in a good and positive way.”
As a result of the chaotic stage, the Vuelta organizers had to adjust the GC times. However, Kuss managed to maintain his lead in the general classification and will wear the red jersey in Tuesday’s time trial.
Overall, Team Jumbo-Visma has had a successful start to the Vuelta a España, with strong performances from multiple riders. With the rest day now behind them, the team is already focused on the upcoming time trial.
