Kuss has confidence in van Aert, but predicts a very surprising winner in Liège–Bastogne–Liège

The American climber is about to begin his ninth season with the yellow-and-black team, and he has played a crucial role in many of their grand tour triumphs. He even claimed overall victory at the Vuelta a España in 2023. But when it comes to the Spring Classics, Kuss has mostly stayed in the background — he’s started just three Monuments so far.

Still, Spanish sports outlet Marca asked him for his outlook on the 2026 season. Who will take the big one-day races? For the first two Monuments of the year, the American climber was adamant: it will be Wout van Aert who wins both Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders.

Van Aert is currently recovering from a broken fibula sustained at the Mol cyclocross race. Sports director Jan Boven has since reported that the injury is healing very well, and the Belgian could make his return to the peloton as early as Omloop Het Nieuwsblad — potentially putting him on track to be at full strength for La Primavera.

Kuss’ prediction for Van Aert might not sound overly bold, and his outlook for Matthew Brennan — whom he expects to win Paris-Roubaix — is likewise understandable. But when it comes to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Kuss sees an outcome that few would forecast. He doesn’t expect Tadej Pogačar, Tom Pidcock, or Remco Evenepoel to take the Ardennes classic. Instead, he believes Cian Uijtdebroeks will become the new La Doyenne champion — a big step forward if true for the young Movistar rider.

Looking ahead to the three grand tours, Kuss also doesn’t see Pogačar winning any of them. According to him, the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France will belong to Jonas Vingegaard, while João Almeida will take overall victory at the Vuelta a España. However, Kuss believes Pogačar will claim his third World Championship title — and also win Il Lombardia later in the season. In short: the oracle has spoken!