Kuss impresses with victory in Giro d’Italia queen stage and completes trilogy
# Sepp Kuss Triumphs in Giro d’Italia Queen Stage, Completing Grand Tour Trilogy
Sepp Kuss made headlines with an impressive solo victory in the queen stage of the Giro d’Italia, marking a significant milestone in his cycling career. “I still can’t believe I won this stage,” Kuss expressed. With this achievement, the American cyclist has now secured a stage win in all three Grand Tours. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a long time, but I also knew it would be difficult to achieve. Every year the level gets higher, so I knew I wouldn’t have many chances left to win a stage in the Giro. Today, everything finally came together. This is special,” he added.
The grueling queen stage spanned 150 kilometers and featured six categorized climbs, starting in Feltre. The race kicked off with a fierce battle for the early breakaway. Kuss was part of a large lead group that successfully distanced itself from the peloton and tackled challenging ascents like the Passo Duran and Passo Giau. Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Kuss’s team, played a crucial role in controlling the pace for their leader, Jonas Vingegaard.
The strategy saw a turning point on the penultimate climb, the Passo Falzarego, where Italian cyclist Giulio Ciccone launched an attack, gaining over a minute lead. But Kuss showcased his robust form as he accelerated to close in on the Italian during the final ascent to Piani di Pezze.
In a thrilling finish, Kuss caught up and surpassed Ciccone, crossing the finish line to claim his first stage win in the Giro d’Italia. This victory adds to his previous accolades, which include stage wins in the Tour de France 2021 and the Vuelta a España in both 2019 and 2023.
“I got the opportunity, and I knew I had to make the most of it,” Kuss reflected after the race. While Kuss celebrated, teammate Jonas Vingegaard remained alert to an attack from Felix Gall, finishing fifth in the same stage. Davide Piganzoli, another member of Team Visma, came in eighth, gaining crucial time in the race for the white jersey. Kuss’s win signifies the team’s fifth stage victory at this year’s Giro.
“Our main objective today was to defend Jonas’s leader’s jersey. Before the stage, I was told I could try to join the early breakaway. It was an emotional moment when I crossed the finish line. I dedicate this victory to my family and friends, who often have to miss me during the season,” Kuss concluded, making it a day to remember for him and Team Visma | Lease a Bike.
