Can Sepp Kuss still save his Vuelta a España? Van Aert and Valter consider Yates-style scenario

Defending champion Sepp Kuss (Visma | Lease a Bike) has been having a tough time in the 2024 edition of the Vuelta a España. The American lost time to his competitors in multiple stages and, as of the first rest day, was in 14th place in the general classification, 8 minutes and 16 seconds behind red jersey Ben O'Connor. Despite this, the Dutch team still has plenty of hope in this Vuelta, as indicated by the words of Kuss' teammates Wout van Aert and Attila Valter.

Speaking to Marca, Van Aert revealed some of Visma | Lease a Bike's plans. Securing the green jersey seems to be very important for the Dutch team. "I already have two stage wins, and the team is performing well. We’re still aiming for more victories, but I realize that the best chances were last week. The upcoming stages are difficult, so we’ll have to try to win a stage in other ways, like in a breakaway. I myself will try to secure the points jersey, and I hope for more."

However, the focus on the green jersey doesn't mean that the team has forgotten about Kuss' position in the general classification, as Van Aert's interview also reveals. "He (Sepp Kuss, ed.) has already lost time, but he’ll only be able to make up for it with a move like Adam Yates (who won after a long breakaway in stage 9, ed.). He is here for a good classification result, and we’re going to fight for that," promised the strong Belgian rider, originally from Herentals.

"Kuss will have to pull off a stunt like Yates"

The Hungarian champion Attila Valter, teammate of Van Aert and Kuss, was also asked about what this Vuelta still has to offer him and his team. "The goal is to help Van Aert secure the green points jersey and then help Kuss achieve a good general classification. He climbs well, but he will probably have to pull off a stunt like Yates or Carapaz to really get close. A top 10 is definitely within reach," the hopeful Hungarian cautiously looked ahead.