Jumbo-Visma celebrates another hat trick at the Vuelta, Roglič won the stage, Kuss continues to lead

Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič of the Jumbo Visma team before the start of a stage at the Vuelta on September 10, 2023.

Altu de L'Angliru (Spain) – The demanding 17th stage of the Vuelta with the goal of Angliru was dominated by the Jumbo-Visma team and, just like last week, they celebrated a hat-trick of victories on another legendary climb to the Tourmalet. The Slovenian Primož Roglič won before the Dane Jonas Vingegaard, the red jersey was defended by the third American Sepp Kuss.

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The climbing specialist, who usually played the role of assistant to the stable leaders, will also celebrate his 29th birthday today in red. “I came here with no big expectations and, as always, I just wanted to help the guys. Then I put on this beautiful jersey and discovered a new level of confidence and racing instinct,” said Kuss, who took the lead in the standings after the tenth stage.< /p>

Last year's winner Remco Evenepoel rode in a separate escape to the 13.1 km long climb on the Alta de L'Anglira of the highest category “Especial” with an average gradient of 9.4 percent. However, his lead of more than a minute soon disappeared and, just like at the Tourmalet, where he lost his chances in the overall standings, the Dutch team took over.

Three-time Vuelta champion and winner of this year's Giro d'Italia, Roglič, starting less than three kilometers before the finish of the 124.4 km long stage, tore apart the leading group in the thickening fog, and his pace could only be accepted by his stablemates. About 1.5 kilometers before the finish, Kuss also dropped out and sent Roglič with two-time Tour de France winner Vingegaard for the stage laurel. all the way to the top. I spoke with Kuss. In such a steep climb, everyone rides as hard as they can and then shows up. I told him to fight and believe that he can do it,” said Roglič.

Mikel Landa caught up with Kuss in the end, and even with his contribution, the American kept his distance behind the winning pair by 19 seconds. He is eight seconds ahead of Vingegaard in the standings, with Roglič a minute behind in third place.

“Both are amazing champions. We get along great. Of course I want my chance too, but I'm ready to work for them, when needed,” said Kuss, who is attacking the trophy of a lifetime, about the fight for overall victory.

Before Sunday's arrival in Madrid, the Jumbo-Visma stable took another step towards fulfilling the goal of becoming the first team in history to win all three Grand Tours in one season. On Thursday, the last mountain finish of this year is on the program. The peloton is waiting for three first-category climbing premiums on the 178.9 km long route, which will be decided in the final eight-kilometer climb to Puerto de la Cruz de Linares with an average gradient of 8.6 percent.

Vuelta cycling race – 17th stage (Ribadesella – Alto de L'Angliru, 124.4 km):

1. Roglič (Slovenia/Jumbo-Visma) 3:15:56, 2. Vingegaard (Dan./Jumbo-Visma) same time, 3. Kuss (USA/Jumbo-Visma), 4. Landa (Sp./Bahrain Victorious) both -19, 5. Poels (Netherlands/Bahrain Victorious) -44, 6. Almeida (Portug./SAE Team Emirates) -58, …107. Schlegel (CZ/Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) -22:38, 108. Hirt (CZ/Soudal-Quick Step) -22:44.

Current order: 1. Kuss 60:34:21, 2. Vingegaard -8, 3. Roglič -1:08, 4. Ayuso (Sp./SAE Team Emirates) -4:00, 5. Landa -4:16, 6. Mas (Sp./Movistar) -4:30, …< 57. Hirt -2:06:32, 114. Schlegel -3:10:47.