Sepp Kuss’ remarkable consistency during the Tour de France has been instrumental in elevating his standing in the race. Competing for Team Visma-Lease a Bike, Kuss has maintained a solid performance, finishing in the top 45 of his stages since Stage 9. His strong form was once again showcased during Stage 14, where he rose to 17th place in the general classification.
During the challenging 182.6-kilometer Stage 14 from Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères, Kuss finished 22nd out of 167 finishers, clocking in at 5:01:49—8:14 behind stage winner Thymen Arensman. The stage also featured notable performances from Tadej Pogačar, who placed second, and Jonas Vingegaard, Kuss’ team leader, who finished third.
In this mountain stage, Kuss demonstrated his climbing prowess early on, successfully breaking away with teammate Simon Yates. However, he faced challenges in the final climb, which impacted his overall standing. “We wanted to try and win from the breakaway,” noted Grischa Niermann, head of racing for Visma-Lease a Bike. “Unfortunately, they ran into a very strong Arensman.”
Fellow Durangoan Quinn Simmons also competed in Stage 14, finishing 64th, and remains 49th in the general classification after this stage. The ongoing competition sees Pogačar leading with a cumulative time of 50:40:28, followed closely by Vingegaard.
In terms of other classifications, Jonathan Milan leads the points standings, while Lenny Martinez has taken the lead in the king of the mountain category. Despite the fierce competition, Kuss’ current position and ability to maintain his standings bode well for the remainder of the Tour.
As athletes tackle a hilly Stage 15 on Sunday, Kuss and his teammates will look to build on their momentum before taking their second rest day. The perseverance shown in these stages highlights not only Kuss’ talent but also the teamwork and strategy essential in professional cycling.
The event continues to captivate fans, and as riders prepare for the challenges ahead, Kuss’ determination serves as inspiration for both competitors and supporters alike.