The American Chris Horner, who won the Vuelta a España in 2013 and became the oldest cyclist to win a Grand Tour, is now openly rooting for his fellow countryman on his YouTube channel.
“The Jumbo-Visma team is in first, second, and third place in the general classification, and they are doing this after winning the Giro with Primoz Roglic and the Tour with Jonas Vingegaard,” analyzes Horner, who is 51 years old.
“Now they have the chance to win the Vuelta with the American Sepp Kuss, who has a significant advantage in the general classification.”
“I have to congratulate Sepp for this, and I also believe he has a magical chance to keep the red jersey. I presume that Jumbo-Visma’s tactics shouldn’t be too aggressive.”
“At the Tourmalet, I would have let Jonas Vingegaard ride at a steady pace instead of attacking; that seemed like the safest tactic,” evaluates Horner. “If Vingegaard takes the lead with Kuss in his wheel, you also secure his classification. And who will beat Primoz Roglic in a sprint? Enric Mas, no, if we look at it realistically.”
“The way they are racing is going well so far, that’s for sure, but I would approach it a bit more cautiously,” concludes the American.
“Anyway, maybe I’m a bit soft because I would like to see Kuss become the second American to win the Vuelta.”