After his beautiful win in the Tour of Utah last year, this win can be be seen as the next step in his career. The 24 years old American attacked six kilometres from the top of the final climb. No other breakaway rider could follow his high pace.

“This is amazing to believe”, says Kuss. “The Vuelta is incredible for us at the moment. This is an incredible day. We were attentive from the beginning and at the front. Some of the the teams sent dangerous guys up to the front, so I decided to go with them. The gap was big enough to go for the stage win. Otherwise I was going to help Primoz on the final climb. I had no strategy on the final climb, I just went full gas, I celebrated the final kilometre with the fans. The passion they have is fantastic and that is why cycling is such a big sport. On bad days they are there for you, they shout you to the top. They always support, that is why I love cycling.

Team Jumbo-Visma allows Kuss to grow step by step. “To grab this kind of victory is not easy, I always work hard to be in a good shape. The team gives me opportunities. This is the third Grand Tour I've participated in. I get chances to race for myself, like today. I'm really grateful to the team."

Primoz Roglic also gained time on his main competitors. Only Alejandro Valverde could follow the Slovenian. "We all celebrating this race, it is an incredible day for us again," says the leader in the red jersey. “But we need to be focussed until Madrid."