Kuss still firmly put on the rack by Evenepoel and Ganna: 'I suffered more than on the Angliru'

It had already been clear in recent days that Kuss would win the Vuelta, after Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic had supported him in the final mountain stages and no longer attacked. The greatest emotion had therefore already subsided when Kuss was confronted with his overall win. "It's amazing. I think I've suffered the most today of this entire tour, so I'm glad it's over."

Kuss is referring to a surprisingly explosive 21st stage in the Vuelta, featuring Remco Evenepoel and Filippo Ganna in the lead group. "I already knew it would be fast when I saw them ready to attack at the beginning. I've suffered more than on the Angliru, but it's a beautiful stage to end with."

When asked if Kuss will go through life differently now with this overall victory, the answer is clear: "No, not at all. I will always be myself. This win is certainly life-changing and I will look back on this experience with many beautiful memories. It still has to sink in, that will take some time. Tonight we're going to celebrate it big, with family, friends, riders, and staff. That will be special."

On the podium in Madrid, Kuss was finally able to give a speech in his red jersey. "Normally I stand there, next to the podium, watching these two guys next to me triumph. I am proud and honored to have stood by their side in the Giro and the Tour, and now in the Vuelta. It has been three bizarre weeks and I couldn't have done it without their support and that of the entire team. Besides being good riders, they are wonderful people."