The Vuelta a España time trial shuffled the final classification however Sepp Kuss stays within the race chief’s crimson jersey and his Jumbo-Visma crew are satisfied they’ll nonetheless withstand Remco Evenepoel within the important mountain phases within the Pyrenees with three leaders: Kuss, Primož Roglič and Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard.
Kuss’ lead on Evenepoel is down from 2:22 to 1:09, with Marc Soler (UAE Crew Emirates) sitting between them at 26 seconds. Roglič has moved as much as fourth at 1:26 after shedding simply 20 seconds to Evenepoel, whereas Vingegaard is seventh total, 2:22 down on Kuss after shedding a major 1:02 to Evenepoel.
Regardless of the Dane now sitting 46 seconds behind Roglič, Jumbo-Visma proceed to publicly play their triumvirate management technique.
“Kuss continues to be greater than a minute forward of Evenepoel and Roglič did a good time trial, he solely misplaced twenty seconds. It goes with out saying that we’re in an excellent place,” Jumbo-Visma directeur sportif Marc Reef instructed Eurosport.
“We had hoped for much less time loss for Vingegaard however he gave all the pieces and absolutely targeted on the time trial. His terrain, the excessive mountains, are but to come back.”
Vingegaard has stored a low profile to date within the Vuelta a España and didn’t converse after his time trial. Roglič was extra open and instructed Jumbo-Visma will proceed to trip to guard Kuss’ lead within the days earlier than the Col du Tourmalet mountain end on Friday.
“Sepp continues to be the one to go for it. He’s in crimson,” Roglič instructed to Evenepoel.
“I suffered rather a lot however I’m proud of the outcome. It might have been worse, I gained’t complain.
Jumbo-Visma used their energy in numbers to crack Tadej Pogacar to win the 2022 Tour de France and Kuss hopes so as to add a 3rd dimension to the crew’s plans for the 2023 Vuelta.
“We have nonetheless acquired three very sturdy choices, and I’ve proven I’ve acquired good legs. In my view, you probably have good legs within the Pyrenees and on the Angliru, you will get a minute in a short time on the remaining,” he instructed.
“We have now to play our playing cards with the three of us as a result of Soudal could also be a bit weak within the mountains. If we are able to isolate Remco, we are able to do one thing with that.
“A lot can occur within the mountains. Within the first half of a Grand Tour, it is all the time a recreation of seconds. However then, in only one stage you possibly can blow up.
“I really feel actually good, Primož and Jonas are trying good as nicely, giving me lots of assist and serving to enhance my morale. Within the crew, our temper is basically good.”
