'You can really see that in the way he rides'; Vuelta Veteran Sepp Kuss is loving the Visma team spirit at his 9th edition
CyclingThursday, 10 September 2026 at 11:20
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Follow us on GoogleSepp Kuss is competing in his ninth Vuelta a España for Visma | Lease a Bike, and he even won the race in 2023. Nevertheless, the American is thoroughly enjoying the way the team is tackling the 2026 race, which has already resulted in seven stage wins after 17 stages.
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Kuss is impressed with all-rounder Brennan at the Vuelta.
Kuss, who is currently tenth in the general classification, spoke with Eurosport after Brennan’s fifth stage victory. “It’s really cool. Most of the wins have come from a guy who’s competing in his very first Grand Tour,” he said, referring to the 21-year-old Brit.
"Matthew is very calm. He never gets tired, he’s a good climber, he sprints well... He’s just a huge talent, and he loves cycling. You can really see that in the way he rides," said the now 31-year-old American.
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Kuss on Visma's team spirit at the Vuelta
It’s not just Brennan who’s doing his part; Wout van Aert also made a significant contribution with two stage wins and by wearing the green jersey. Kuss, however, also emphasizes the roles of Jorgen Nordhagen, Bruno Armirail, and Steven Kruijswijk.
"We all truly believe in each other, and everyone enjoys their work or does their part. It's never easy, but hats off to the guys who led the way through all those stages to secure the victory. It was a pretty tough job," says the American.
In the four remaining stages, there will be opportunities for climber Kuss on Friday and Saturday. “We have a very balanced team. In the time trial, we have Bruno and Wout, and in the mountain stages, I’ll see what I can do. But for now, it’s just great to be part of all these stage wins,” he concludes.
Follow all the stage 18 time trial action live with IDL Pro Cycling.
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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Latest Comments
- - Love the honesty about hesitating because of Remco’s messages. Ego flattered but head ruled. That’s grown-up stuff. Vamos Tim, forza UAE!andrewf10-09-2026
- - “Brand team” line threw me. Does he mean title sponsor obligations? Either way, UAE pays the wages—totally get it. Bon courage Tim, allez!tourdeforce910-09-2026
- - Fair play to Wellens. He made an agreement after Renewi/illness and kept it. That’s professional. Also, GP Québec/Montréal suit him—defending Montréal champ in 2025 noted, but he’s been class on those punchy circuits.samanthak10-09-2026
- - Quick question: what exactly would his role have been for Belgium? Lead-out for Remco/Wout, or early tempo to control breaks? The article hints both ways and I’m a bit confused.julien10-09-2026
- - Interesting that Remco texted him and he still stuck to UAE. That says a lot about team-employer obligations. Also, on a Worlds course like this year’s, he’d have been gold as a domestique to keep things together before the finale.raceready710-09-2026
- - Not sure I buy the “timeframe too short” line after he just won in Britain. If you’re strong enough to win there, surely you can do a job for Belgium at Worlds? Feels a bit convenient.velodromevirtuoso110-09-2026
- - Great read. Tim’s loyalty to UAE makes total sense given their injury list, and his Tour of Britain win shows he’s in form even if Worlds timing is awkward. Can’t fault a rider for honoring a promise.jeremya10-09-2026
- The decline in viewership should't surprise anyone; people spend their time and money to see headliners, not understudies. It might have been different if Tadej hadn't entered the race and shown his complete dominence. But once he did, and then crashed out, the remainder of the race, for many people, including myself, became anticlimatic. Crowning a Pretender while the King is recuperating, won't fool or satisfy anyone, except, perhaps, the riders who will stand on the podium and the various Jersey winners. For the rest of us, 'It's wait until next year."rjb09-09-2026
- - Love the 2027 UK Grand Départ shout. Edinburgh opener + Visma classics unit sounds spicy. But the article kind of undersells how rare 4 wins on debut is — that’s Gaviria-level company. Give the lad a chance at least on a transitional Tour stage, no?gearguru3309-09-2026
- - Wait, so why didn’t Kooij ever get a Tour shot if he was that fast? Is it really just because of Vingegaard vs. Pogačar GC priorities? Seems wild a team wouldn’t try for both green and yellow at least once.sprocketspiny09-09-2026
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