Cycling legend Lance Armstrong has publicly thrown his support behind Sepp Kuss, endorsing the American rider as a strong contender for victory at the Vuelta a Burgos. Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France winner whose career has been marked by both remarkable achievements and controversies, praised Kuss for his recent performance and expressed confidence in the young rider’s ability to secure the overall win.
Sepp Kuss has steadily built a reputation as one of the most talented climbers in the professional peloton. Known for his explosive power on steep ascents and his ability to support team leaders in the Grand Tours, Kuss has gradually emerged as a potential leader in his own right. His recent victory on the third stage of the Vuelta a Burgos, where he conquered the brutal climb of Lagunas de Neila, solidified his status as a formidable competitor.
Armstrong, who has closely followed Kuss’s career, spoke highly of the American’s climbing abilities and race instincts. “Sepp Kuss is one of the most exciting talents in cycling right now,” Armstrong said on his *The Move* podcast. “His performance at Burgos shows that he’s not just a domestique; he’s got what it takes to win a race like this.”
Armstrong’s endorsement is significant, as it comes from one of the most experienced and accomplished figures in the sport, despite his complicated legacy. Armstrong has been vocal about his admiration for Kuss’s potential, particularly in mountainous races. “The way Sepp rode that final climb at Lagunas de Neila was impressive,” Armstrong continued. “He didn’t just hang on—he attacked and took control of the race. That’s what winners do.”
The former pro cyclist also pointed out that Kuss’s performance at the Vuelta a Burgos could be a sign of things to come. “If he keeps this form, I don’t see why he can’t take the overall win,” Armstrong said. “He’s got the climbing legs, the endurance, and the tactical mind to pull it off.”
Kuss, who has often played a key supporting role for his teammates at Jumbo-Visma, has been given more freedom to race for himself at the Vuelta a Burgos. Armstrong sees this as a crucial moment in Kuss’s career, where he can step out of the shadows and prove himself as a leader. “This is Sepp’s chance to show that he can lead a team,” Armstrong stated. “He’s been a super-domestique, but now it’s time for him to take that next step and claim a win for himself.”
The Texan also highlighted the importance of Kuss’s victory not just for his career, but for American cycling as a whole. “We’ve been waiting for the next big American rider to break through,” Armstrong remarked. “Sepp could be that guy. He’s got the talent, and now he’s showing he’s got the mentality to go with it.”
With Armstrong’s endorsement adding to the growing buzz around Kuss, the pressure is on for the 29-year-old to deliver in the remaining stages of the Vuelta a Burgos. As the race progresses, Kuss will need to maintain his form and fend off challenges from other strong contenders in the peloton.
Armstrong’s faith in Kuss reflects the broader hopes of many American cycling fans, who are eager to see one of their own succeed at the highest levels of the sport. “I’m excited to see what Sepp can do,” Armstrong concluded. “This could be the start of something really special.”
As the Vuelta a Burgos enters its decisive stages, all eyes will be on Sepp Kuss to see if he can live up to the expectations set by one of cycling’s most iconic figures.
