Sepp Kuss downplays Tourmalet challenge at Vuelta a Espana – ‘It’s a bit overhyped’

Sepp Kuss downplayed the Tourmalet challenge on Stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espana, as riders prepared for a big mountain stage on the Grand Tour.

This relatively short 135km stage features over 4,000m of climbing until the summit of Col du Tourmalet is reached, but the red jersey holder seemed unfazed at what lay ahead.

“It’s an impressive climb for sure and very scenic near the top, but it’s pretty regular for the most part.”

The Team Jumbo-Visma rider explained that the battle plan had yet to be drawn ahead of a tactically important Stage 13, with his team-mates Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard only 1’32 and 2’22 respectively behind in the general classification.

“We’ll see what we can do, but we can play things defensively. We can wait for our rivals to attack; it’s them who have to pull back time on us,” he added.

“Friday is a short, explosive stage, and we can expect some rivals will try to make their move from a long way out.”

Kuss has a 23-second lead over UAE Team Emirates rider Marc Soler heading into Stage 13, and 1’09 ahead of the reigning champion Remco Evenepoel.

However, with Roglic and Vingegaard both in striking distance, the American insists that team success is always placed above personal glory.

“Amongst us, it really doesn’t matter if I win, if Primoz wins or if Jonas wins,” Kuss said. “Right now, I’m in the best position, but we’ll see because Primoz and Jonas are far more experienced in winning Grand Tours than me.

“Every step I take is a new experience, but we don’t know to what point I can fight for the victory. I am feeling confident, though, and I will try to win the race.”