29-Year-Old Cyclist Sepp Kuss Becomes First American in 10 Years to Win a Grand Tour

A decade-long wait has finally come to an end for America in the world of cycling. Sepp Kuss clinched the Spanish Vuelta championship on Sunday. In the process, he also became the first American in 10 years to win a Grand Tour Title. Last time, it was Chris Horner’s triumph at the Vuelta in 2013 that brought glory to the USA. The Grand Tour series includes the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a Espa?a.

Kuss’s crowning moment came on a largely ceremonial stage in Madrid. Cycling tradition prevailed, and his rivals respected his commanding lead. Sepp Kuss’s victory came as a surprise to many. He had initially entered the race in a supporting role for his Jumbo-Visma teammates, including Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic.

A Surprising Triumph for Kuss and Historic Treble for Jumbo-Visma

Vingegaard, a two-time Tour de France winner, and Roglic, a three-time Vuelta champion, were the primary contenders for Jumbo-Visma. However, Kuss rose to the occasion and claimed the top spot, showcasing his remarkable talent and determination.

With the victory secured, Kuss expressed his emotions, saying, “It’s incredible. I think today was the stage that I suffered the most of the whole race. Now I’m just glad it’s over. It’s life-changing for sure. I think I’ll look back on this experience with a lot of fun memories.”

Notably, Jumbo-Visma’s dominance extended beyond Kuss’s victory. The team achieved a historic treble by sweeping all three Grand Tour events in the same year. Prior to Kuss’s triumph in the Vuelta, Roglic had secured victory at the Giro d’Italia in May, and Vingegaard had repeated as the Tour de France champion in July. This exceptional performance also solidified Jumbo-Visma’s status as one of the leading teams in professional cycling.

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Kuss’s journey to victory in the Vuelta was a hard-fought one. He assumed the race lead during the eighth stage and maintained his position throughout the challenging race, which featured daunting climbs like the Col du Tourmalet in France and the Alto de l’Angliru in northern Spain. Ultimately, Kuss concluded the three-week race with a 17-second lead, securing his place in cycling history.

Looking Ahead: Portugal to Host 2024 Vuelta Start

As the 2021 Vuelta came to a close, organizers unveiled exciting plans for the future of the race. The 2024 edition of the Vuelta a Espa?a will commence in Portugal, with the cities of Lisbon, Oeiras, and Cascais serving as the official starting locations. This announcement marks a return to Portugal for the Vuelta.

The decision to begin the Vuelta in Portugal is sure to generate anticipation and excitement among cycling enthusiasts. Incidentally, Portugal was the first country other than Spain to host the Vuelta, back in 1977. The Vuelta’s international appeal also continues to grow, and the inclusion of Portugal in its itinerary adds to the race’s global prestige.

Sepp Kuss’s historic victory in the Spanish Vuelta not only ends a ten-year drought for American cyclists in Grand Tour events but also contributes to the legacy of Jumbo-Visma as a dominant force in professional cycling. As the cycling world celebrates Kuss’s achievement and looks forward to the 2024 Vuelta in Portugal, the sport continues to evolve and captivate fans around the world.

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