Visma-Lease a Bike’s fan-favorite Sepp Kuss is setting his sights on regaining his consistency in 2025, after a challenging season in 2024. Despite the high expectations following his stunning 2023 victory at the Vuelta a España, Kuss faced a series of setbacks last year, including missing the Tour de France due to a Covid diagnosis.
The 30-year-old American had hoped to build on his success from 2023, but struggled to maintain a steady performance throughout the season. Although he claimed victory at the Vuelta a Burgos, Kuss was unable to defend his Vuelta a España title, finishing 14th, over 20 minutes behind eventual winner Primož Roglič.
Reflecting on his season, Kuss acknowledged the difficulties: “It wasn’t the best season for me. Until then, I’d always had pretty good years without any bad luck or illnesses, so it was the first season that I had any setbacks,” he said. “I was happy to win at least one race, but overall, it was a shame to miss the Tour and everything that comes with it. Not every year is a perfect upward trajectory. You have to roll with the bad luck and normal setbacks when they happen.”
Kuss, who had never previously faced such challenges in his career, recognized that dealing with setbacks is part of an athlete’s journey. “As a cyclist, you always need a certain level of confidence based on what you’ve done in the past. Training is one thing, but when the results don’t meet your expectations, it’s always difficult,” he admitted. “It was no disaster, but I know it’s hard to always be at your top level or to stay there.”
For 2025, Kuss plans a familiar race schedule, aiming to return to the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, where he will continue to serve as a key domestique for his teammate Jonas Vingegaard. Kuss will also compete in early-season races like the Volta ao Algarve, Volta a Catalunya, and Itzulia Basque Country as part of his build-up.
“There’s no need to change the recipe,” Kuss said. “The main objectives are the Grand Tours. I want to be at my best in those two races. I know for the spring I am not always at my best, but I use those races as a building block for the summer races.”
Kuss’s 2025 season will feature a longer, slower build-up to peak for the Grand Tours. “This year I’ll have a longer and slower build-up. Last year was shorter but more intensive in the beginning. I just have to go to the first races without any expectation, see how it is, and focus on the summer.”
In the coming season, Kuss has made it clear that he is not prioritizing his own GC ambitions. His role will primarily be to support Vingegaard and other teammates. “It’s a role I’ve never really been in aside from the Vuelta last year, and even then, it was never on my radar to be a leader in a Grand Tour,” Kuss said. “I wouldn’t say upfront I am looking for leadership in a Grand Tour, or the opposite. If opportunities come my way, I’ll take them, but I’m not looking to overtake anybody within the team.”
Kuss embraces his role as a super mountain domestique, which he finds more comfortable than being the leader. “It’s a role I really like, and it’s a lot easier than being a leader in a race. I think it’s a role I can do quite well, and do it comfortably and enjoy it.”
His goal for the upcoming season is simple: consistency. “I want to be more consistent, stay healthy, and have good luck,” Kuss said. “In cycling, you need to build each day and each week. If you miss a little bit, you notice it immediately in the races unless you have crazy talent, like some guys.”
As he prepares for another year of racing, Kuss’s focus is firmly on returning to his best form, with an emphasis on maintaining his health and consistency throughout the season.
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