Here’s a bold statement: Tadej Pogačar, the seemingly invincible cycling titan, might not be as unbeatable as everyone thinks. And the man who believes this is none other than Sepp Kuss, the seasoned American climber who’s ready to shake things up in the 2026 season. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many see Pogačar as a force of nature, Kuss insists there’s a chink in the armor, and he’s determined to help Jonas Vingegaard exploit it.
As Kuss kicks off his 10th professional season at 31, he’s crystal clear about his identity and purpose. Gone are the days of personal glory; he’s now the WorldTour’s most reliable climbing domestique, a role he embraces with humility and precision. His 2023 Vuelta a España victory solidified his shift from contender to supporter, but don’t be fooled—Kuss still has his own ambitions. And this is the part most people miss—while he’s content to work for others, he’s also chasing a personal milestone: a stage win at the Giro d’Italia, the only Grand Tour victory missing from his impressive résumé.
Speaking to Marca, Kuss revealed his 2026 goal: ‘I’d like to win a stage in the Giro. Let’s see if it can happen this year.’ If he succeeds, he’ll join the elite ranks of Americans like Tyler Farrar, who’ve conquered stages in all three Grand Tours. But beyond this personal quest, Kuss remains Mr. Reliable, slated to support Vingegaard in both the Giro and the Tour de France.
Here’s the kicker—Kuss isn’t just a domestique; he’s a record-breaker. Since turning pro in 2017, he’s become one of the best pure climbers the U.S. has ever produced. Nicknamed ‘The Mailman’ by team boss Richard Plugge for his unwavering consistency, Kuss has been part of eight of Visma-Lease a Bike’s nine Grand Tour wins. His absence from Simon Yates’ 2025 Giro team was the only exception, a surprise retirement that caught him off guard.
Now, with Yates gone, the pressure on Kuss intensifies, but he’s unfazed. ‘The overall goals will be the Grand Tours,’ he said. ‘First, I’ll go to the Giro with Jonas and enjoy being there.’ Kuss believes Vingegaard is the perfect rider for the Giro, both physically and mentally, and that tackling it could even boost his chances at the Tour de France.
But here’s the real question—can Vingegaard, with Kuss by his side, finally dethrone Pogačar? Kuss thinks so, but it won’t be easy. ‘Every year it gets more complicated,’ he admitted. ‘It’s about being very creative with tactics and finding moments of weakness.’ Visma’s 2025 strategy to grind Pogačar down backfired spectacularly, leaving the team exhausted and unable to respond when he attacked in the Pyrénées. Yet, Kuss remains hopeful: ‘We have to go into every race believing we can beat him.’
Pogačar, Kuss admits, is a once-in-a-generation talent, a rider who combines fearlessness with an insatiable hunger for victory. But Kuss sees a path to victory—through tactical ingenuity and relentless belief. As he enters his 10th season, settled in Europe with his Spanish wife and family, Kuss is more focused than ever. His mission? Light up the climbs, support Vingegaard, and prove that even giants can fall.
Here’s the controversial part—do you think Kuss and Vingegaard stand a chance against Pogačar, or is the Slovenian simply too dominant? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—agree or disagree, but let’s keep it respectful and insightful!
