Sepp Kuss Back as Cycling’s Ultimate Kingmaker at the Giro d’Italia

Sepp Kuss, the reigning Vuelta a España champion, is set to lead a six-rider North American contingent at the upcoming Giro d’Italia. His role, as highlighted by VeloNews, is primarily that of a "kingmaker," supporting GC stars, though the group will also target stage wins and potentially a podium finish in Rome. This marks a significant return for Kuss to a Grand Tour after his breakthrough victory last year.

This deployment of Kuss as a super-domestique, rather than a protected leader, speaks volumes about Jumbo-Visma's (now Visma-Lease a Bike's) Grand Tour strategy and Kuss's own proven capabilities. His unparalleled climbing prowess and tactical acumen were instrumental in Jonas Vingegaard's Tour de France wins and his own Vuelta triumph. His presence elevates any GC contender he supports, making him a crucial, if often understated, asset in the high mountains.

Ultimately, Kuss's role at the Giro is less about personal glory and more about demonstrating that even a Grand Tour winner can be the sport's most valuable, and perhaps most self-sacrificing, lieutenant.