Winning as many stages as possible and defending the title: Visma | LaB heads to Vuelta with Van Aert and Kuss

Kuss is the main contender for the general classification. The American, who surprised everyone by winning last year's Vuelta, will be leading the team for the first time. He’ll have support from Cian Uijtdebroeks, another climber capable of contending for the GC. Van Aert, participating in his first Vuelta, will focus on winning stages in Spain. The team is rounded out by experienced riders like Dylan van Baarle, Edoardo Affini, Steven Kruijswijk and Robert Gesink. Attila Valter replaces the injured Ben Tulett in the lineup.

Kuss shared his thoughts on leading the team on the team’s website. "Winning in Burgos was very satisfying. I hadn’t raced in a while, so it was a great confirmation," said Kuss. "I quickly got over the disappointment of missing the Tour, but it was definitely a letdown. Fortunately, I was able to focus on the Vuelta," he added, after recovering from the COVID-19 infection that kept him out of the Tour.

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"The victory in Burgos definitely gave me confidence, but I was mostly just happy to be back on the bike and racing with the guys. I know the Vuelta will be a completely different story, with a different course and different competition. A lot can happen in a three-week race, but I’m glad I feel good both physically and mentally," Kuss said, looking forward to leading his first grand tour as the team leader.

What are the ambitions of the climber? Kuss seems to be avoiding putting too much pressure on himself. "I find it hard to make strong predictions about this Vuelta. I’m starting with a different preparation than in previous years. I mainly want to enjoy the coming weeks. I definitely don’t see myself as the top favorite for the overall win. I’m ready to lead the team in the Vuelta, but I don’t feel any pressure. Hopefully, I can find a good rhythm quickly and grow into the race," he concluded.

Team director Grischa Niermann analyzed the selection as follows: "We have a well-balanced team that can aim for both stage wins and a strong general classification. Sepp has already proven himself as one of the best climbers in the peloton, and he’s the defending champion here. Cian is a great talent who finished in the top ten of the GC last year. Wout, on the other hand, brings unmatched versatility to the team," said the German, referring to Van Aert, who is eager to win multiple stages.

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After a less-than-ideal Tour, which wasn’t surprising after his spring crash, Van Aert is a standout name on the roster. A surprise? Not at all, according to Niermann. "It was Wout’s explicit wish to ride the Vuelta after the Tour. Wout is highly motivated to prove himself again this year because he’s a rider who wants to win races. As a team, we’ll do everything we can to help him win a stage in this Vuelta. He deserves it."

The same goes for Uijtdebroeks as in the Giro: there are high expectations, but little pressure on the young Belgian. "Cian rode a strong first half of the Giro but unfortunately had to withdraw due to illness. He could have competed for a top-five finish. He quickly shifted his focus to the Vuelta and is highly motivated, but he’s still very young. So, there isn’t too much pressure on him — he’ll have a free role. If Sepp, for instance, suddenly takes the lead, Cian might take on a more supportive role," Niermann explained about the young Belgian’s position.

Wout van Aert
Sepp Kuss
Steven Kruijswijk
Robert Gesink
Cian Uijtdebroeks
Attila Valter
Edoarda Affini
Dylan van Baarle