Kuss Honest After Tough Climb: “I Just Didn’t Have It”

Cycling

Kuss Honest After Tough Climb: “I Just Didn’t Have It”

Sepp Kuss, known for his climbing prowess and resilience in the mountains, found himself struggling on the decisive slopes of Alto da Fóia during the latest stage of the Volta ao Algarve. The American rider, who has delivered stunning performances in the past, was unable to keep pace with the favorites, eventually dropping out of contention for the stage win.

Speaking candidly after the race, Kuss didn’t search for excuses. “I just didn’t have it today,” he admitted. “Some days you feel great, and other days, the legs just aren’t there. Today was one of those days.”

A Tough Day in the Saddle

The stage, which featured the iconic Alto da Fóia climb, was expected to be a testing ground for the general classification contenders. As the pace ramped up in the final kilometers, the leading group thinned out, with only the strongest climbers able to hold on. Kuss, usually comfortable in such situations, was visibly struggling and soon found himself distanced.

While the exact reasons for his performance remain unclear, it could be a combination of factors—early-season form, fatigue, or simply an off day. “It’s still early in the season, and I’m building towards my main goals,” Kuss explained. “I’ll take the positives and keep working.”

Looking Ahead

Despite this setback, Kuss remains optimistic. He has proven time and again that he can bounce back from tough moments, and his focus will now shift to the next stages and upcoming races. With bigger objectives later in the year, this might just be a minor blip in his preparation.

“It’s part of cycling,” Kuss said with a shrug. “You learn from these days, and you move forward.”

Fans of the American climber will be hoping that his next opportunity in the mountains brings a return to the form that has made him one of the most exciting riders in the peloton.

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