Defending champion Sepp Kuss and stage hunter Van Aert lead Team Visma | Lease a Bike in Vuelta

Vuelta a España Set to Begin with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Led by Defending Champion Sepp Kuss

The Vuelta a España, the third and final Grand Tour of the season, kicks off on Saturday with Team Visma | Lease a Bike starting in Lisbon, Portugal, under the leadership of defending champion Sepp Kuss. Joining Kuss are Wout van Aert and sports director Grischa Niermann, both of whom are eagerly looking forward to the race.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike aims to make a strong impression in both Portugal and Spain with Kuss, Van Aert, and Cian Uijtdebroeks. While Kuss and Uijtdebroeks are targeting top positions in the general classification, Van Aert will focus on winning stages and supporting the team’s GC contenders during the race, which runs from Saturday, August 17th to Sunday, September 8th.

This year’s Vuelta is a new experience for Van Aert, who has competed in the Tour de France multiple times but has never participated in another Grand Tour. “I’m really excited for the Vuelta,” Van Aert said. “I found my form towards the end of the Tour, which helped me perform well at the Olympics. I don’t feel burnt out at all. It’s hard to predict how my body will handle two Grand Tours in one year, but I’m confident I can manage the Vuelta, especially since I’ve usually been more exhausted after the Tour in previous years.” Van Aert is eager for success, stating, “I want to use this momentum to win again. My goal is to secure at least one stage win, and hopefully, that will set the tone for a successful three weeks. There are good opportunities in the first few days, and maybe even a chance to wear the red jersey. I also want to be valuable to Sepp and Cian.”

Kuss, the overall winner of the 2023 edition, is equally enthusiastic about returning to the Vuelta. After missing the Tour de France due to a COVID-19 infection, Kuss regained his confidence with a stage win and overall victory at the Vuelta a Burgos. “Winning in Burgos was very satisfying, especially after not racing for so long,” Kuss said. “Missing the Tour was disappointing, but I quickly moved on and focused on the Vuelta.”

Kuss acknowledges that the Vuelta will present a different challenge. “The win in Burgos gave me confidence, but the Vuelta will be a completely different story, with a unique course and tough competition. A lot can happen over three weeks, but I’m glad to be feeling good both physically and mentally. After recovering from COVID-19, I was able to train well.”

Despite his strong preparation, Kuss is cautious about setting expectations for the upcoming Vuelta. “It’s hard to predict how this Vuelta will go. My preparation has been different this year, and my main goal is to enjoy the race. I don’t see myself as the top favorite for overall victory, but I’m ready to lead the team without feeling pressured. I hope to find a good rhythm quickly.”

Living in Andorra, Kuss has a special connection with the Vuelta and the Spanish fans. “I always enjoy racing the Vuelta. The fans along the route are very supportive and make me feel appreciated, which is why I’m so excited to race in the coming weeks. I will ride with pride as the defending champion.”