Visma-Lease a Bike gained’t repeat their dominance of the Grand Excursions in 2024 however will goal victory on the Vuelta a España, with 2023 winner Sepp Kuss confirmed to steer the staff in a return to his function as ‘GC Kuss.’
The 29-year-old American from Durango might be joined and supported by Wout van Aert as he targets stage victories, with Cian Uijtdebroeks additionally given a free function to focus on the general classification.
Additionally within the eight-rider squad are Steven Kruijswijk, Edoardo Affini, Attila Valter, Dylan van Baarle and veteran Robert Gesink.
Kuss emerged because the 2023 Vuelta winner after an inside staff battle. Primož Roglič additionally needed to win and Jonas Vingegaard was lengthy a contender however Kuss managed to restrict his time losses and his nerve till the staff determined to again him.
He was unable to journey the Tour de France resulting from a nasty COVID-19 an infection however has reset and skilled arduous in latest weeks. He confirmed his kind by successful final week’s Vuelta a Burgos.
“It was a really satisfying feeling to win in Burgos. I hadn’t raced for a very long time,” Kuss mentioned.
“I rapidly bought over the frustration of lacking the Tour, but it surely was positively a letdown. Fortunately, I used to be capable of deal with the Vuelta afterwards.”
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Kuss will race in opposition to his now former teammate Roglič, with Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), Richard Carapaz (Schooling EF-EasyPost), Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl-Trek), João Almeida and Adam Yates (UAE Crew Emirates) and maybe even Mikel Landa (Soudal-Fast Step).
“I discover it arduous to make agency predictions about this Vuelta. I am beginning with a unique preparation in comparison with different years. Above all, I need to benefit from the coming weeks. I positively do not see myself as the highest favorite for the general victory. I am prepared to steer the staff within the Vuelta, however I do not really feel any stress. Hopefully, I can develop into the race and rapidly discover a good rhythm.”
The American has lived in Andorra and Spain for a lot of his profession and has turn out to be a Spanish fan favorite resulting from his success and pleasant nature.
“I all the time take pleasure in racing the Vuelta. The individuals alongside the route are very pleasant; they chant my title and make me really feel appreciated. This is likely one of the causes I am actually excited to race the Vuelta within the coming weeks. I’ll journey as a proud defending champion.”
Visma-Lease a Bike have recognized at the least 5 phases that Van Aert may win. They don’t anticipate to have to manage the race like in 2023 and so Van Aert has the liberty to journey for himself.
The Belgian confronted a tough return to well being and kind after his horrible crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen however impressed on the latest Olympics and is eager to race arduous within the second half of the 2024 season. He may do effectively within the opening Lisbon time trial after which goal different dash phases within the first week.
“I am actually excited for the Vuelta,” Van Aert mentioned.
“In the course of the Tour, I actually discovered my good legs in direction of the top, which allowed me to attain a great consequence on the Olympics as effectively. I actually do not feel burnt out.
“After all, it stays to be seen how my physique will react to driving two Grand Excursions in a 12 months, just because I’ve by no means achieved it earlier than. However I’m assured that I can deal with this Vuelta effectively, particularly since in different years, I usually got here out of the Tour rather more exhausted.”
“I need to use this good feeling to win once more. Let’s begin by aiming for one stage win. Hopefully, that can result in a profitable three weeks. There are good alternatives within the first few days. Possibly the crimson jersey might be an choice. My private purpose is to go for stage wins. Moreover, I need to be helpful to Sepp and Cian.”
21-year-old Uijtdebroeks had management standing within the 2024 Giro d’Italia however was pressured to go away the Corsa Rosa after 10 days. He has progressively rebuilt his kind.
“Now we have a well-balanced staff that may intention for each stage wins and a great common classification,” directeur sportif Grischa Niermann steered.
“Sepp is the defending champion, however not the highest favorite to win this Vuelta. Cian rode a robust first a part of the Giro however sadly needed to withdraw resulting from sickness. He may have competed for a top-five end. He rapidly refocused on the Vuelta and is extraordinarily motivated, however he is nonetheless very younger. Due to this fact, there’s not an excessive amount of stress on him: he’ll have a free function. If, for instance, Sepp all of the sudden takes the lead, it might be that Cian will tackle a extra supportive function.
“The races are coming thick and quick for Wout this summer time, however that was mentioned and deliberate. It was Wout’s express want to race the Vuelta after the Tour. Wout is extremely motivated to show himself once more this 12 months as a result of he is a rider who needs to win races. As a staff, we’ll do the whole lot we will to assist him win a stage on this Vuelta. He deserves it.”
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