Race report | 24 July, 18:57

Kuss takes fourth after strong ride on Alpe d’Huez

Name: Team Visma | Lease a Bike
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Sepp Kuss battled to a fourth-place finish in stage 19 of the Tour de France. The American was in contention for the stage victory for much of the climb to Alpe d’Huez but ultimately came up just short. Tadej Pogacar proved to be the strongest on the final ascent and soloed to victory.

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In the second stage through the French Alps, Team Visma | Lease a Bike quickly showed its attacking intentions. Bruno Armirail, Sepp Kuss, Matteo Jorgenson and Davide Piganzoli were all part of a 40-rider breakaway that formed on the day's first climb.

The cooperation in the breakaway was excellent. Thanks to the strong work of Piganzoli, Jorgenson and Armirail, a reduced lead group started the ascent of Alpe d’Huez with a healthy advantage. Kuss was among the strongest riders in the race and remained in contention for the stage win for a long time, but eventually had to settle for fourth place.

"It was a great day for the team"

Sepp Kuss

“I felt really good today,” Kuss reflected afterwards. “It was a great day for the team. We had several riders in the breakaway, where everyone did an job. I had a great battle with Carapaz and Martinez on the final climb and tried several times to get away, but unfortunately it just wasn’t work out. Still, I’m pleased with my performance today and I’m happy with how things went.”