Sepp Kuss Struggles in Volta ao Algarve: Drops Back on Alto da Fóia.
Sepp Kuss, one of the most promising climbers in the professional peloton, faced a difficult day on Stage 2 of the Volta ao Algarve, struggling to keep up with the leading contenders on the summit finish at Alto da Fóia. Despite high expectations for the Jumbo-Visma rider, Kuss was unable to stay with the strongest climbers when the battle for victory ignited in the final kilometers.
The 7.5-kilometer climb to Alto da Fóia saw a fierce contest among general classification hopefuls, with several riders launching attacks in search of stage glory. As the pace intensified, Kuss, known for his climbing prowess, found himself slipping back, ultimately losing contact with the main contenders.
“I just didn’t have the legs today,” Kuss admitted after the stage. “It’s disappointing, of course, but that’s cycling. Some days you feel great, and other days you struggle. I gave it my all, but it wasn’t enough to stay with the front group.”
The result is a setback for Kuss, who had shown strong form in recent races and was expected to be a factor in the overall classification. However, the American climber remains optimistic about the rest of the race. “It’s still early in the season, and there are plenty of opportunities ahead. I’ll keep working and see what we can do in the coming days.”
Jumbo-Visma will now reassess their strategy as they look ahead to the remaining stages of the Volta ao Algarve. With more climbing and a decisive time trial still to come, Kuss and his team may shift their focus to stage wins or supporting a teammate in the general classification fight.
While the climb to Alto da Fóia didn’t go as planned for Kuss, his resilience and experience suggest that he will bounce back stronger in the coming races. Cycling fans will be eager to see how he responds in the next stages and beyond as he continues his 2024 campaign.
