Visma-Lease a Bike gained’t repeat their dominance of the Grand Tours in 2024 however will goal victory on the Vuelta a España, with 2023 winner Sepp Kuss confirmed to guide the group in a return to his function as ‘GC Kuss.’
The 29-year-old American from Durango can be joined and supported by Wout van Aert as he targets stage victories, with Cian Uijtdebroeks additionally given a free function to focus on the general classification.
Also within the eight-rider squad are Steven Kruijswijk, Edoardo Affini, Attila Valter, Dylan van Baarle and veteran Robert Gesink.
Kuss emerged because the 2023 Vuelta winner after an inside group battle. Primož Roglič additionally needed to win and Jonas Vingegaard was lengthy a contender however Kuss managed to restrict his time losses and his nerve till the group determined to again him.
He was unable to experience the Tour de France as a result of a nasty COVID-19 an infection however has reset and skilled arduous in current weeks. He confirmed his type by successful final week’s Vuelta a Burgos.
“It was a really satisfying feeling to win in Burgos. I hadn’t raced for a very long time,” Kuss stated.
“I rapidly acquired over the frustration of lacking the Tour, however it was undoubtedly a letdown. Luckily, I used to be in a position to give attention to the Vuelta afterwards.”
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Kuss will race towards his now former teammate Roglič, with Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), Richard Carapaz (Education EF-EasyPost), Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl-Trek), João Almeida and Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) and maybe even Mikel Landa (Soudal-Quick Step).
“I discover it arduous to make agency predictions about this Vuelta. I’m beginning with a special preparation in comparison with different years. Above all, I need to benefit from the coming weeks. I undoubtedly do not see myself as the highest favorite for the general victory. I’m prepared to guide the group within the Vuelta, however I do not really feel any stress. Hopefully, I can develop into the race and rapidly discover a good rhythm.”
The American has lived in Andorra and Spain for a lot of his profession and has turn out to be a Spanish fan favorite as a result of his success and pleasant nature.
“I at all times take pleasure in racing the Vuelta. The folks alongside the route are very pleasant; they chant my identify and make me really feel appreciated. This is likely one of the causes I’m actually excited to race the Vuelta within the coming weeks. I’ll experience as a proud defending champion.”
Visma-Lease a Bike have recognized a minimum of 5 phases that Van Aert might win. They don’t count on to have to regulate the race like in 2023 and so Van Aert has the liberty to experience for himself.
The Belgian confronted a tough return to well being and type after his horrible crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen however impressed on the current Olympics and is eager to race arduous within the second half of the 2024 season. He might do properly within the opening Lisbon time trial after which goal different dash phases within the first week.
“I’m actually excited for the Vuelta,” Van Aert stated.
“During the Tour, I actually discovered my good legs in the direction of the tip, which allowed me to realize a superb consequence on the Olympics as properly. I actually do not feel burnt out.
“Of course, it stays to be seen how my physique will react to using two Grand Tours in a yr, just because I’ve by no means completed it earlier than. But I’m assured that I can deal with this Vuelta properly, particularly since in different years, I usually got here out of the Tour rather more exhausted.”
“I need to use this good feeling to win once more. Let’s begin by aiming for one stage win. Hopefully, that may result in a profitable three weeks. There are good alternatives within the first few days. Maybe the purple jersey could possibly be an choice. My private objective is to go for stage wins. Additionally, I need to be priceless to Sepp and Cian.”
21-year-old Uijtdebroeks had management standing within the 2024 Giro d’Italia however was pressured to depart the Corsa Rosa after 10 days. He has progressively rebuilt his type.
“We have a well-balanced group that may goal for each stage wins and a superb normal classification,” directeur sportif Grischa Niermann advised.
“Sepp is the defending champion, however not the highest favorite to win this Vuelta. Cian rode a powerful first a part of the Giro however sadly needed to withdraw as a result of sickness. He might have competed for a top-five end. He rapidly refocused on the Vuelta and is extraordinarily motivated, however he is nonetheless very younger. Therefore, there’s not an excessive amount of stress on him: he’ll have a free function. If, for instance, Sepp instantly takes the lead, it could possibly be that Cian will tackle a extra supportive function.
“The races are coming thick and quick for Wout this summer season, however that was mentioned and deliberate. It was Wout’s specific want to race the Vuelta after the Tour. Wout is extremely motivated to show himself once more this yr as a result of he is a rider who desires to win races. As a group, we’ll do every part we are able to to assist him win a stage on this Vuelta. He deserves it.”
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