Tadej Pogacar will compete in the Giro d’Italia, however Visma-Lease a Bike and its direct competitor, Sepp Kuss, continue to keep an eye on him, even before the Tour de France. “I only feel pressure from myself and not from the team. They want to get the best out of me, but they also don’t expect impossible things,” Kuss told news outlet Off The Mark.
Sepp Kuss’ performance in the Tour de France
The American cyclist won the Vuelta a España last year, but his role in the team remains the same. An excellent climber, he will also support Jonas Vingegaard in the next Tour de France, in the Dane’s attempt to win his third victory.
However, with UAE Team Emirates planning to have four leaders, the Dutch team may use Kuss differently than in the past. He could also be a card for the yellow jersey this summer if the team’s tactics take this into consideration.
Giro will be the best Training Camp for Pogacar
Kuss will face Pogacar in July and praises the Slovenian for his Giro-Tour challenge for 2024: “It’s good that he’s trying it. He always does something different. For him, the Giro will be a three-week Training Camp, even the best Training Camp there is. If he can get through the Giro well in good weather, he will be better at the start of the Tour.”
Primoz Roglic is in a better environment
Finally, Kuss was asked about Primoz Roglic, his former teammate, who will now become one of the Dutch team’s main rivals as he will lead BORA-hansgrohe in the Grand Boucle.
“He now has a better environment and a better role for the Tour and his other goals”, concludes Sepp Kuss.
