The Stage is Set: Sepp Kuss and Primož Roglič Prepare for a Thrilling Duel in the Scorching Spanish Landscape, as the Vuelta a España Title Hangs Precariously in Balance
As the 2024 Vuelta a España approaches its critical stages, cycling fans around the world are eagerly anticipating a dramatic showdown between two of the sport’s most formidable climbers: Sepp Kuss and Primož Roglič. These two riders, both key members of the Jumbo-Visma team, are poised to engage in a thrilling battle for the red jersey, with the rugged and sweltering Spanish terrain providing the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an epic contest. With the Vuelta title hanging in the balance, the stage is set for a duel that could define not only the race but also the careers of these two exceptional athletes.
Sepp Kuss and Primož Roglič are no strangers to success in Grand Tours. Kuss, the 2023 Vuelta a España champion, stunned the cycling world with his breakout performance last year, showcasing his climbing prowess and tactical acumen to secure his first Grand Tour victory. The American rider, known for his role as a super-domestique in the mountains, had long been an unsung hero within the Jumbo-Visma team, providing crucial support to teammates like Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard. However, in 2023, Kuss seized his opportunity to lead the team, and he did so with aplomb, emerging as the surprise winner of the Vuelta.
Roglič, on the other hand, is a seasoned Grand Tour campaigner with a glittering palmarès. The Slovenian has won the Vuelta a España three times (2019, 2020, and 2021) and has consistently been a contender in the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Roglič’s career has been defined by his explosive climbing ability, time-trial prowess, and a never-say-die attitude that has seen him bounce back from numerous setbacks. His rivalry with Tadej Pogačar, another Slovenian star, has captivated cycling fans in recent years, but at this year’s Vuelta, the focus is on his intra-team rivalry with Kuss.
While Kuss and Roglič have always shared a strong professional relationship, the dynamics within the team have shifted as Kuss has emerged as a leader in his own right. This year’s Vuelta a España presents a unique situation where two riders from the same team, both with legitimate claims to leadership, could find themselves going head-to-head in the race’s decisive moments.
The 2024 Vuelta a España is shaping up to be one of the most challenging editions in recent memory, with a route that promises to test the riders’ endurance, climbing abilities, and tactical nous. The race will cover over 3,000 kilometers, with multiple stages in the high mountains, treacherous descents, and searing heat that can sap even the strongest of riders.
The opening week features a mix of rolling terrain and punchy finishes, but it is in the second and third weeks that the real battles are expected to unfold. The peloton will face several brutal mountain stages, including summit finishes on some of Spain’s most iconic climbs, such as the Alto de Angliru and the Lagos de Covadonga. These stages are where Kuss and Roglič, both exceptional climbers, are expected to shine.
However, the Vuelta is not just about the mountains. The race also includes a challenging individual time trial, which could prove decisive in the general classification. Roglič, a former ski jumper, has a strong record in time trials, giving him a potential advantage over Kuss, who is more of a pure climber. But in a Grand Tour, anything can happen, and the cumulative fatigue of three weeks of racing can level the playing field.
Managing two potential leaders within the same team is always a delicate task, and Jumbo-Visma will need to strike a careful balance between supporting both Kuss and Roglič while also pursuing the team’s overall objectives. The team’s management, led by Merijn Zeeman, is well aware of the potential for intra-team rivalry to either propel them to victory or cause internal friction that could derail their campaign.
In the past, Jumbo-Visma has successfully managed multiple leaders in a Grand Tour, most notably in the 2021 Vuelta a España when Roglič won the race with strong support from Kuss and the rest of the team. However, this year’s edition is different. Kuss is no longer just a support rider; he is a defending champion with ambitions of his own. This raises the question: who will the team prioritize in the crucial stages of the race?
The answer may lie in how the race unfolds. If one rider clearly emerges as the stronger contender in the early stages, the team may choose to back that rider fully. However, if both Kuss and Roglič remain close in the general classification, Jumbo-Visma could face a situation where they need to allow both riders to pursue their own strategies, at least until a clear leader emerges.
One possible scenario is that Kuss and Roglič could work together to distance their rivals in the mountains, with the understanding that the strongest rider in the final week will be given the full support of the team. This approach would require a high level of mutual respect and communication between the two riders, as well as a willingness to put the team’s interests above personal ambitions.
While much of the focus is on Kuss and Roglič, they will not be the only contenders for the red jersey. The 2024 Vuelta a España has attracted a stellar field, including several other Grand Tour champions and top climbers who will be eager to challenge Jumbo-Visma’s dominance.
Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France winner, is expected to be one of the biggest threats. Pogačar has shown time and again that he can excel in all terrains, and his aggressive racing style makes him a constant danger to his rivals. Pogačar’s ability to launch sudden, devastating attacks in the mountains could disrupt any plans Kuss and Roglič have for controlling the race.
Enric Mas, the Spanish climber who has twice finished second in the Vuelta (2021 and 2022), will also be a key contender. Mas has a deep understanding of the race and a strong connection with the home fans, which could provide him with extra motivation. His consistency in the high mountains makes him a serious threat, especially if he can avoid the crashes and bad luck that have sometimes plagued him in the past.
Other riders to watch include João Almeida, the Portuguese star known for his incredible stamina and time trial abilities, and Mikel Landa, a perennial contender who is always dangerous in the mountains. With such a strong field, Kuss and Roglič will need to be at their best to stay ahead of their rivals.
As the Vuelta progresses, the psychological aspect of the race will become increasingly important. Both Kuss and Roglič are experienced riders, but the pressures of leading a Grand Tour, particularly with the stakes as high as they are in this year’s race, can take a toll on even the most seasoned professionals.
For Kuss, the challenge will be maintaining the composure and self-belief that carried him to victory in 2023. As the defending champion, he will have a target on his back, with his rivals keen to test him at every opportunity. Kuss’s ability to manage the stress of defending a title while also navigating the complexities of intra-team dynamics will be crucial.
Roglič, meanwhile, will be driven by a desire to reclaim the Vuelta crown and add a fourth title to his collection. However, he will also be acutely aware of the limited opportunities remaining in his career to win Grand Tours, which could add an extra layer of pressure. Roglič has shown resilience in the face of adversity before, but how he handles the mental strain of competing against both his rivals and a teammate for the win will be fascinating to watch.
The psychological battle will extend beyond just Kuss and Roglič. The entire Jumbo-Visma team will need to remain united and focused on their objectives, even as the race heats up. Any signs of discord or hesitation could be exploited by their rivals, particularly in a race as unpredictable and unforgiving as the Vuelta a España.
The Vuelta a España is more than just a bike race; it is a celebration of Spain’s culture, history, and passion for cycling. The race’s route takes the peloton through some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes in the country, from the sun-drenched plains of Andalusia to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees. Along the way, millions of fans will line the roads, cheering on their favorite riders and creating an atmosphere that is unmatched in the world of sports.
For Kuss and Roglič, the support of the fans can be both a source of inspiration and a challenge. The Spanish fans are known for their enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport, and they will be eager to see a thrilling contest unfold. Riders who can tap into that energy often find an extra gear in the crucial moments of the race.
At the same time, the intense pressure of performing in front of such passionate crowds can be overwhelming. The roars of the fans can lift a rider to victory, but they can also amplify the stress of competition, particularly when the margins between success and failure are so slim.
The outcome of this year’s V
