Sepp Kuss: "Although I am a foreigner, I have a very strong connection with Catalonia."

BarcelonaSepp Kuss's (1994) life changed radically on September 1, 2019. He had arrived in Europe from the United States a couple of years earlier and was already making a name for himself in cycling. That day he rode his best race. It was the ninth stage of the Vuelta a España, and the finish line was in Els Cortals de Encamp, Andorra, where he lived. Waiting for him at the finish line was someone who would forever change his life: Noemí Ferré, the love of his life. She had gone to watch the stage finish with some friends, as she is also a cyclist and passionate about the sport. He, on the other hand, was gritting his teeth to reach the end. After the race, Noemí met Sepp because they had a mutual friend. That was the first and penultimate step, because after the Vuelta ended, the American wrote to her to arrange a meeting. Since then, they've been inseparable, and Kuss has become a true Catalan, even swapping his native Colorado for the Pyrenees forests, where he hopes to rack up successes in the Volta a Catalunya, which is about to begin.

He just competed in the Tour of Oman. What's your assessment of the experience?

— It's difficult to give a clear assessment because I had to abandon the race in the second or third stage. Also, in these kinds of desert races, it's hard to really gauge your form. The stages are usually straightforward; you arrive at the foot of the climbs quite fresh and can put out a lot of power, but it's not always easy to see how you're shaping up for more demanding races like the Volta a Catalunya. Even so, before the Tour of Oman I felt good, and afterwards, I trained at altitude in Colombia, with good weather and long climbs. This always gives me an extra boost of motivation and performance, so I'm arriving in good shape, although it will be a very tough race with only a few days of competition.

So, would you say he's in better physical shape than he was at this time last year?

— It's difficult to compare. I keep improving every year, but the feeling is usually quite similar around that time. Every March I have similar benchmarks, regardless of whether the year ends up being better or worse. It's normal in a race: some people perform better in the spring and others in the summer. For me, the important thing is to make the most of this running blog, have good feelings, be healthy, and have a solid physical base.

Living in Andorra and training both there and on the Catalan coast, do you think this could give you a certain advantage in the Volta?

— Yes, of course. The Volta has many summit finishes and climbs exceeding two thousand meters, so being able to train in similar conditions is an advantage. In Andorra and Catalonia, you can replicate efforts very similar to those of the race, both in terms of altitude and terrain. Furthermore, knowing the roads well, the more technical sections, and other potential obstacles is beneficial. traps It always helps.

Of all the stages in this edition, which one do you think best suits your characteristics?

— I'd say the Coll de Pal stage. It's a finish with a very long climb that I know well, and it's probably the most mountainous day, with several demanding climbs that will accumulate fatigue before the finish. This works in my favor. It won't be as explosive as the Vallter stage, for example. Besides, I love the Coll de Pal, both for its difficulty and its surroundings. I'd also highlight the following stage, with Coll de Pradell, San Isidro, and a finish in Queralt, which could be very decisive.

It's true that they are spectacular stages, but also very tough.

— Yes, they are beautiful but demanding stages. The mountain block with Vallter, Coll de Pal, and Queralt is very tough, and the first stages aren't completely flat either. Every day will be tiring.

What role will he have within the team in this Tour?

— It will depend a lot on how Jonas [Vingegaard] is feeling and on the race strategy. Whether he opts for a more defensive or more offensive approach will influence my role. In any case, my priority will be to help him. If any opportunity arises, I'd like to take advantage of it, whether that's going for a stage win or getting into a breakaway. Winning a stage in the Vuelta would be a dream come true for me.

Speaking of training, which ports or areas do you enjoy the most in Andorra and Catalonia?

— There are many. One I particularly like, although it's not very well-known, is Mont-nou, near Timoneda, in the Solsonès region. It's very tough, with demanding sections and a final stretch of several kilometers on very steep concrete. It can also be linked up with Port del Comte. Generally, this area has some very challenging and little-known mountain passes. I also like the inland roads of Catalonia, with their constant ups and downs, like the classics, which make training very entertaining. In Andorra, for example, my favorites are Gallina and Cortals: they're tough, but very beautiful.

Regarding goals for this season, what are your personal and team goals?

— Personally, one of my main goals is to help the leaders achieve important victories. I'd also like to try and win a stage in the Giro; that would be a great success. It will all depend on the team's needs and how I can contribute, but a victory would be very special.

What is his relationship like with teammates like Vingegaard or Van Aert off the road?

— Very good. We spend a lot of time together between races and training camps, and the atmosphere is always relaxed. Even though they're big cycling stars, in their day-to-day lives they're normal, approachable people. I feel very comfortable with them.

What does it mean to you to feel the affection of the Catalan public, especially as a foreign runner?

— It's something truly beautiful, and it continues to amaze me. Although I'm a foreigner, I have a very strong connection to Catalonia through my wife and family. This support makes me feel at home, especially being so far from my country.

Finally, what message would you send to the fans who will be following you at the Volta?

— I want to thank you for your support and the atmosphere you create every year. I feel very fortunate to have such a close-knit fanbase here in Catalonia. I hope you enjoy the race and the opportunity to see some of the best cyclists in the world up close.