{"id":2107091,"date":"2026-08-22T08:37:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T05:37:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107091"},"modified":"2026-08-22T08:37:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T05:37:21","slug":"a-top-10-on-gc-isnt-as-important-as-a-stage-win-2023-vuelta-a-espana-champion-sepp-kuss-to-make-definitive-decision-on-overall-bid-at-end-of-first-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2107091","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiEh4b2a5tADEABr9Yp6w7-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MiEh4b2a5tADEABr9Yp6w7-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QqaVxzjcE5LpMpbUNGnwuV-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE  performance head warns that nobody, not even Poga\u010dar, will have it easy this summer in Spain\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSepp Kuss\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T08:37:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">American on the hunt for a stage win as he starts his third Grand Tour of the year <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Sepp Kuss: &#8216;The main thing is to win a stage, but we&#8217;ll get into the race, then see how it&#8217;s going&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-285a17c8-9da8-11f1-8926-c39670292e9c\">In some ways, we&#8217;ve been here before. When Sepp Kuss rolls down the start line of the Monaco time trial on Saturday in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, just like in 2023, the Visma-Lease a Bike racer will be tackling his third Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The crunch question being: will Kuss be aiming to do what he did in 2023 and end up going for the overall win in the Vuelta, too?<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-285a17c8-9da8-11f1-8926-c39670292e9c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After two 13th-place finishes at the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Tour de France this season, as well as a stage win in the Giro, when he talks about the Vuelta, the American invariably underlines that the key to any kind of successful third Grand Tour participation is always motivation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Kuss also said at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a team presentation in Monaco on Thursday evening, rather than set a GC goal as a priority from the word go, he&#8217;s going to look at where he&#8217;s standing overall at the end of what is a very mountainous first week, and take it from there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll see after the first week. For me, the main thing is to win a stage, but we&#8217;ll get into the race, then see how it&#8217;s going,&#8221; Kuss told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There are so many mountain stages, so many potential breakaway stages, that you never know what can happen. So in the first week, we&#8217;ll take it one day at a time and see how it goes. The main things are the feelings, and I am feeling good and mentally motivated, and that is what is most important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than ruling it out completely, then, Kuss simply gives the impression that he&#8217;ll let the race decide for itself. As he put it to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;You never know.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Certainly, he makes it clear that if it&#8217;s a question of priorities, right now going for a top 10 position overall \u2013 in contrast to going for the highest places overall \u2013 has less appeal than going for a stage win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;A stage would make this a great Vuelta. A position in the top 10 to me isn&#8217;t so important,&#8221; Kuss added in another interview with a small group of reporters. &#8220;But after the first half, we&#8217;ll see how we&#8217;re going as the team, what position we&#8217;re at in the overall, and maybe look at other options depending on that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kuss&#8217;s attitude of not getting too far ahead of himself was exactly the type of strategy that brought such rich rewards in the 2023 Vuelta, of course, when he got into a break en route to Javalambre in the first week and then found himself very close to the top of GC after winning the stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the same time, given Visma-Lease a Bike have so many options for stage wins with riders like Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan \u2013 to name but two of his best-known teammates \u2013 three years on, by not laying his cards on the table, Kuss is also allowing for lots of different scenarios to play out, both for himself and for his team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m feeling good. The truth is I always come to the Vuelta feeling motivated, and that&#8217;s very important,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You have to be on it mentally, because it&#8217;s going to be a very hard Vuelta, right from the start. We have lots of options to look for stages, so we&#8217;ll see how the riders are doing. We have a very well-balanced team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"stage-hunting-with-van-aert-and-brennan-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage hunting with Van Aert and Brennan<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c12c3ada-9da8-11f1-9d40-8fb748fe438d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kuss raced to the red jersey in Madrid three years ago <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-285a1962-9da8-11f1-b8c1-278dbcd6bbac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking of his two standout teammates who will be looking for stage wins, the American said that Van Aert, recently a winner of the Tour of Denmark, &#8220;is in great form. It&#8217;s going to be a big fight with Pedersen and Poga\u010dar if he wants the points jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But he&#8217;s particularly keen after what happened before in the Vuelta, too&#8221; \u2013 a reference to the 2024 race, when a previously all-conquering Van Aert crashed out and was badly injured whilst leading both the points and the mountains competitions.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Brennan, taking part in his first Grand Tour, Kuss says that he&#8217;s particularly impressed by the young British racer&#8217;s ability to take almost everything that professional cycling has thrown at him in his stride, without losing his nerve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s always super calm,&#8221; Kuss told Cyclingnews. &#8220;It&#8217;s different because he&#8217;s such a good rider; that&#8217;s not the same as a guy that doesn&#8217;t know his capabilities starting a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s different, too, for a sprinter, because it&#8217;s such a hard race this year and he has to get through in the mountains. That&#8217;ll be the main thing for him. But I can see that he&#8217;s super calm and confident. He knows what he can do in these fast finishes. He&#8217;s such a good rider.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Most of the few sprinters present in the Vuelta estimate there will be just five or six sprints at most, compared to eight possible sprint stages in the Tour. But Kuss argues that the hillier terrain \u2013 which Brennan has already shown he can handle well before an actual bunch sprint, both in races like the Tour de Pologne and the Volta a Catalunya \u2013 will benefit the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The climbs take the edge off the sprint stage. If you have just the pan-flat stages where everybody&#8217;s full of energy, then the sprints can be more chaotic,&#8221; Kuss points out. &#8220;We don&#8217;t have the lead-outs for that in our team, either, so I think that Vuelta-style sprints will be good for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for which stages will be good for Sepp Kuss, the American points to stage 4 in Andorra \u2013 where he won a mountainous trek in the Tour back in 2021 \u2013 as one possible target, given he&#8217;s racing on home soil there and knows the roads extremely well. But further down the line there are plenty of other options, too, which could favour him even more.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The stage to Andorra would be very nice, but I&#8217;m not sure if it&#8217;s ideal, even if it&#8217;s always nice to race there,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But the ones that are in the third week with those very long climbs will be very good, and stage 9 in Alicante&#8221; \u2013 to the first-category Alto de Aitana, last tackled in 2016 \u2013 &#8220;is also good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By which point, too, Kuss will have a much better idea about a possible Vuelta GC bid and what his options are. But whatever happens in that regard, for a born climber like Kuss, any chances to shine in the mountains \u2013 and there are plenty of those in this year&#8217;s Vuelta \u2013 are always too good to miss.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-285a19d0-9da8-11f1-9431-6f1870139df3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to be attacked left, right and centre&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar defends Tour of Britain Women GC lead on hilly stage 4<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You will have to use the brakes&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and rest of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a contenders brace themselves for very technical opening time trial in Monaco<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Spotted: New Shimano Dura-Ace R9300 groupset breaks cover at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSepp Kuss\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T08:37:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">American on the hunt for a stage win as he starts his third Grand Tour of the year <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Sepp Kuss: &#8216;The main thing is to win a stage, but we&#8217;ll get into the race, then see how it&#8217;s going&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-285a17c8-9da8-11f1-8926-c39670292e9c\">In some ways, we&#8217;ve been here before. When Sepp Kuss rolls down the start line of the Monaco time trial on Saturday in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, just like in 2023, the Visma-Lease a Bike racer will be tackling his third Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The crunch question being: will Kuss be aiming to do what he did in 2023 and end up going for the overall win in the Vuelta, too?<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-285a17c8-9da8-11f1-8926-c39670292e9c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After two 13th-place finishes at the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Tour de France this season, as well as a stage win in the Giro, when he talks about the Vuelta, the American invariably underlines that the key to any kind of successful third Grand Tour participation is always motivation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Kuss also said at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a team presentation in Monaco on Thursday evening, rather than set a GC goal as a priority from the word go, he&#8217;s going to look at where he&#8217;s standing overall at the end of what is a very mountainous first week, and take it from there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll see after the first week. For me, the main thing is to win a stage, but we&#8217;ll get into the race, then see how it&#8217;s going,&#8221; Kuss told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There are so many mountain stages, so many potential breakaway stages, that you never know what can happen. So in the first week, we&#8217;ll take it one day at a time and see how it goes. The main things are the feelings, and I am feeling good and mentally motivated, and that is what is most important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than ruling it out completely, then, Kuss simply gives the impression that he&#8217;ll let the race decide for itself. As he put it to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;You never know.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Certainly, he makes it clear that if it&#8217;s a question of priorities, right now going for a top 10 position overall \u2013 in contrast to going for the highest places overall \u2013 has less appeal than going for a stage win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;A stage would make this a great Vuelta. A position in the top 10 to me isn&#8217;t so important,&#8221; Kuss added in another interview with a small group of reporters. &#8220;But after the first half, we&#8217;ll see how we&#8217;re going as the team, what position we&#8217;re at in the overall, and maybe look at other options depending on that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kuss&#8217;s attitude of not getting too far ahead of himself was exactly the type of strategy that brought such rich rewards in the 2023 Vuelta, of course, when he got into a break en route to Javalambre in the first week and then found himself very close to the top of GC after winning the stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the same time, given Visma-Lease a Bike have so many options for stage wins with riders like Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan \u2013 to name but two of his best-known teammates \u2013 three years on, by not laying his cards on the table, Kuss is also allowing for lots of different scenarios to play out, both for himself and for his team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m feeling good. The truth is I always come to the Vuelta feeling motivated, and that&#8217;s very important,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You have to be on it mentally, because it&#8217;s going to be a very hard Vuelta, right from the start. We have lots of options to look for stages, so we&#8217;ll see how the riders are doing. We have a very well-balanced team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"stage-hunting-with-van-aert-and-brennan-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage hunting with Van Aert and Brennan<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c12c3ada-9da8-11f1-9d40-8fb748fe438d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kuss raced to the red jersey in Madrid three years ago <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-285a1962-9da8-11f1-b8c1-278dbcd6bbac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking of his two standout teammates who will be looking for stage wins, the American said that Van Aert, recently a winner of the Tour of Denmark, &#8220;is in great form. It&#8217;s going to be a big fight with Pedersen and Poga\u010dar if he wants the points jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But he&#8217;s particularly keen after what happened before in the Vuelta, too&#8221; \u2013 a reference to the 2024 race, when a previously all-conquering Van Aert crashed out and was badly injured whilst leading both the points and the mountains competitions.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Brennan, taking part in his first Grand Tour, Kuss says that he&#8217;s particularly impressed by the young British racer&#8217;s ability to take almost everything that professional cycling has thrown at him in his stride, without losing his nerve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s always super calm,&#8221; Kuss told Cyclingnews. &#8220;It&#8217;s different because he&#8217;s such a good rider; that&#8217;s not the same as a guy that doesn&#8217;t know his capabilities starting a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s different, too, for a sprinter, because it&#8217;s such a hard race this year and he has to get through in the mountains. That&#8217;ll be the main thing for him. But I can see that he&#8217;s super calm and confident. He knows what he can do in these fast finishes. He&#8217;s such a good rider.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Most of the few sprinters present in the Vuelta estimate there will be just five or six sprints at most, compared to eight possible sprint stages in the Tour. But Kuss argues that the hillier terrain \u2013 which Brennan has already shown he can handle well before an actual bunch sprint, both in races like the Tour de Pologne and the Volta a Catalunya \u2013 will benefit the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The climbs take the edge off the sprint stage. If you have just the pan-flat stages where everybody&#8217;s full of energy, then the sprints can be more chaotic,&#8221; Kuss points out. &#8220;We don&#8217;t have the lead-outs for that in our team, either, so I think that Vuelta-style sprints will be good for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for which stages will be good for Sepp Kuss, the American points to stage 4 in Andorra \u2013 where he won a mountainous trek in the Tour back in 2021 \u2013 as one possible target, given he&#8217;s racing on home soil there and knows the roads extremely well. But further down the line there are plenty of other options, too, which could favour him even more.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The stage to Andorra would be very nice, but I&#8217;m not sure if it&#8217;s ideal, even if it&#8217;s always nice to race there,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But the ones that are in the third week with those very long climbs will be very good, and stage 9 in Alicante&#8221; \u2013 to the first-category Alto de Aitana, last tackled in 2016 \u2013 &#8220;is also good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By which point, too, Kuss will have a much better idea about a possible Vuelta GC bid and what his options are. But whatever happens in that regard, for a born climber like Kuss, any chances to shine in the mountains \u2013 and there are plenty of those in this year&#8217;s Vuelta \u2013 are always too good to miss.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-285a19d0-9da8-11f1-9431-6f1870139df3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9 slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FTQqNwtKiSNxSX9AHvcUDA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Julian Alaphilippe had more than panache \u2013 he was a conjuror who was greater than the sum of his watts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/e6sGShuYn9HxtcRgKLWLpM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I gave everything I had, and cycling gave me everything in return&#8217; \u2013 Julian Alaphilippe confirms his career is over<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oJYLvWCepfQ8zP3KDUHEtE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ek5ma7FwXHtSj2nMVLJLvi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DRQuxgf3dM9QoT2cxCjf4E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We expected to be attacked left, right and centre&#8217; \u2013 Kim Le Court-Pienaar defends Tour of Britain Women GC lead on hilly stage 4<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JdzkLSRgapaJSHNya5wk9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I want to develop myself more in the hills&#8217; \u2013\u00a0After another impressive punchy display at the Tour of Britain Women, is Lorena Wiebes evolving?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/X3hiJHUwbdn6rP5NEY5pUU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You will have to use the brakes&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar and rest of Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a contenders brace themselves for very technical opening time trial in Monaco<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXNHT4fLqKkNr4mJF9wXkY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s a tiny margin but a win is a win&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar celebrates fourth stage win of career and first-ever lead in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It just shows the class of him as an athlete and a person&#8217; &#8211; Eight days after brother Finlay&#8217;s death, Josh Tarling takes third in opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a time trial<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Spotted: New Shimano Dura-Ace R9300 groupset breaks cover at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I know I lost time in the corners&#8217; &#8211; Wout van Aert&#8217;s dream of returning to red in the opening Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a TT falls short<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a GC standings &#8211; From yellow to red, Tadej Poga\u010dar takes leader&#8217;s jersey on opening day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSepp Kuss\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A top 10 on GC isn&#8217;t as important as a stage win&#8217; \u2013 2023 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a champion Sepp Kuss to make definitive decision on overall bid at end of first week<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-22T08:37:21Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">American on the hunt for a stage win as he starts his third Grand Tour of the year <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-285a17c8-9da8-11f1-8926-c39670292e9c\">In some ways, we&#8217;ve been here before. When Sepp Kuss rolls down the start line of the Monaco time trial on Saturday in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, just like in 2023, the Visma-Lease a Bike racer will be tackling his third Grand Tour of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The crunch question being: will Kuss be aiming to do what he did in 2023 and end up going for the overall win in the Vuelta, too?<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-285a17c8-9da8-11f1-8926-c39670292e9c-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After two 13th-place finishes at the Giro d&#8217;Italia and Tour de France this season, as well as a stage win in the Giro, when he talks about the Vuelta, the American invariably underlines that the key to any kind of successful third Grand Tour participation is always motivation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But as Kuss also said at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a team presentation in Monaco on Thursday evening, rather than set a GC goal as a priority from the word go, he&#8217;s going to look at where he&#8217;s standing overall at the end of what is a very mountainous first week, and take it from there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll see after the first week. For me, the main thing is to win a stage, but we&#8217;ll get into the race, then see how it&#8217;s going,&#8221; Kuss told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iLTEfzvJViu9P8R9b485wH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sepp Kuss hoping to ride Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a for Grand Tour treble after &#8216;crazy fast&#8217; but &#8216;enjoyable&#8217; Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kpF9gUmfdABZ7kmmC5wUpb-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Sepp Kuss still aiming for Tour de France stage win on Alpe d&#8217;Huez after being denied by Tadej Poga\u010dar on stage 19<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9uQB9FsYsCEi82mDvxe9dc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Just go for it and don&#8217;t look back&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss completes trio of Grand Tour stage victories on Giro d&#8217;Italia queen stage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There are so many mountain stages, so many potential breakaway stages, that you never know what can happen. So in the first week, we&#8217;ll take it one day at a time and see how it goes. The main things are the feelings, and I am feeling good and mentally motivated, and that is what is most important.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Rather than ruling it out completely, then, Kuss simply gives the impression that he&#8217;ll let the race decide for itself. As he put it to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, &#8220;You never know.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-KSz7LmF25CoP3ga6SnTPC9 slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Certainly, he makes it clear that if it&#8217;s a question of priorities, right now going for a top 10 position overall \u2013 in contrast to going for the highest places overall \u2013 has less appeal than going for a stage win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;A stage would make this a great Vuelta. A position in the top 10 to me isn&#8217;t so important,&#8221; Kuss added in another interview with a small group of reporters. &#8220;But after the first half, we&#8217;ll see how we&#8217;re going as the team, what position we&#8217;re at in the overall, and maybe look at other options depending on that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kuss&#8217;s attitude of not getting too far ahead of himself was exactly the type of strategy that brought such rich rewards in the 2023 Vuelta, of course, when he got into a break en route to Javalambre in the first week and then found himself very close to the top of GC after winning the stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HTpJWy8LFpowMBpT5tsHYn-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;The focus is already switched&#8217; &#8211; Visma-Lease a Bike regroup following the crash-out of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HqeD9rjJNvYNgMhHqCmLfe-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">How long will US riders&#8217; Tour de France stage win drought continue? Dubious streak reaches 100 stages<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vXx3fTTYeYfvhBsZ8FoUhF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">At the same time, given Visma-Lease a Bike have so many options for stage wins with riders like Wout van Aert and Matthew Brennan \u2013 to name but two of his best-known teammates \u2013 three years on, by not laying his cards on the table, Kuss is also allowing for lots of different scenarios to play out, both for himself and for his team.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m feeling good. The truth is I always come to the Vuelta feeling motivated, and that&#8217;s very important,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You have to be on it mentally, because it&#8217;s going to be a very hard Vuelta, right from the start. We have lots of options to look for stages, so we&#8217;ll see how the riders are doing. We have a very well-balanced team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"stage-hunting-with-van-aert-and-brennan-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage hunting with Van Aert and Brennan<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-c12c3ada-9da8-11f1-9d40-8fb748fe438d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUqj9yUwW7BKyj9q9RR62W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Kuss raced to the red jersey in Madrid three years ago <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-285a1962-9da8-11f1-b8c1-278dbcd6bbac\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking of his two standout teammates who will be looking for stage wins, the American said that Van Aert, recently a winner of the Tour of Denmark, &#8220;is in great form. It&#8217;s going to be a big fight with Pedersen and Poga\u010dar if he wants the points jersey.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But he&#8217;s particularly keen after what happened before in the Vuelta, too&#8221; \u2013 a reference to the 2024 race, when a previously all-conquering Van Aert crashed out and was badly injured whilst leading both the points and the mountains competitions.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Brennan, taking part in his first Grand Tour, Kuss says that he&#8217;s particularly impressed by the young British racer&#8217;s ability to take almost everything that professional cycling has thrown at him in his stride, without losing his nerve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He&#8217;s always super calm,&#8221; Kuss told Cyclingnews. &#8220;It&#8217;s different because he&#8217;s such a good rider; that&#8217;s not the same as a guy that doesn&#8217;t know his capabilities starting a Grand Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s different, too, for a sprinter, because it&#8217;s such a hard race this year and he has to get through in the mountains. That&#8217;ll be the main thing for him. But I can see that he&#8217;s super calm and confident. He knows what he can do in these fast finishes. He&#8217;s such a good rider.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Most of the few sprinters present in the Vuelta estimate there will be just five or six sprints at most, compared to eight possible sprint stages in the Tour. But Kuss argues that the hillier terrain \u2013 which Brennan has already shown he can handle well before an actual bunch sprint, both in races like the Tour de Pologne and the Volta a Catalunya \u2013 will benefit the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The climbs take the edge off the sprint stage. If you have just the pan-flat stages where everybody&#8217;s full of energy, then the sprints can be more chaotic,&#8221; Kuss points out. &#8220;We don&#8217;t have the lead-outs for that in our team, either, so I think that Vuelta-style sprints will be good for him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for which stages will be good for Sepp Kuss, the American points to stage 4 in Andorra \u2013 where he won a mountainous trek in the Tour back in 2021 \u2013 as one possible target, given he&#8217;s racing on home soil there and knows the roads extremely well. But further down the line there are plenty of other options, too, which could favour him even more.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The stage to Andorra would be very nice, but I&#8217;m not sure if it&#8217;s ideal, even if it&#8217;s always nice to race there,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But the ones that are in the third week with those very long climbs will be very good, and stage 9 in Alicante&#8221; \u2013 to the first-category Alto de Aitana, last tackled in 2016 \u2013 &#8220;is also good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">By which point, too, Kuss will have a much better idea about a possible Vuelta GC bid and what his options are. But whatever happens in that regard, for a born climber like Kuss, any chances to shine in the mountains \u2013 and there are plenty of those in this year&#8217;s Vuelta \u2013 are always too good to miss.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-285a19d0-9da8-11f1-9431-6f1870139df3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-top-10-on-gc-isnt-as-important-as-a-stage-win-2023-vuelta-a-espana-champion-sepp-kuss-to-make-definitive-decision-on-overall-bid-at-end-of-first-week\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ijb7UgPtDfhSTZMd4BQ4KW-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tadej Poga\u010dar vs the rest \u2013 Our analysis of the top 10 contenders at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 As it happened: Time trial goes down to the wire at stage 1 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 3 &#8216;The Vuelta is going to be arduous, even for Tadej&#8217; \u2013 UAE performance [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2107091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2107091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2107091"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2107091\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2107091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2107091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2107091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}