Sepp Kuss has been attracting a lot of expectations following his victory at the Vuelta a España 2023, but the American intends to maintain his simple method of training and competition. According to the team’s sporting director, Mathieu Heijboer, in an interview with the French website Velo, the plan is to repeat the formula used last year.
“I have been working with Sepp for a few years and we both believe that we have found the right method for him to be at his peak, in the most important moments,” said Heijboer.
“We really got the training and schedule right last year. We intend to follow that again this year.” Heijboer also stressed that although winning a Grand Tour brings additional pressure, Kuss must maintain his approach.
“We are very happy with what Sepp has achieved, now he has more ambitions after last year, but we don’t think we should suddenly change his approach or his program for this.”
Kuss should not try to repeat his feat in 2023
The sporting director also mentioned the crucial role that Kuss will play in the team during the Tour de France and his attempt to defend his title in the Vuelta a España.
“Sepp took a big step last year, but his approach, physically and mentally, and in life, has not changed. We don’t want Sepp to change, and he doesn’t want to either. That continues with his approach to the bike and training.” Despite having participated in three Grand Tours in 2023, Kuss will not attempt to repeat the feat this year.
“Sepp is a guy who likes cycling,” says Heijboer. “Whenever the sun is shining and he is happy, he is on the bike. Cycling a lot seems to work for him, and we’ve seen that’s what makes him feel good.”
“We know what we need to do for Sepp to be the best in the races that really matter, which for him and for us are the big laps”, concludes Heijboer.
“We took the time to develop him with the method in which he is at his peak performance in the summer. Of course, that doesn’t mean he can’t reach a high level before the summer. But if the results don’t appear right from the start, it won’t be a big problem”, concludes Heijboer.
