Vuelta scandal averted?: The attack is followed by reconciliation with a kiss

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Is it bad style – or just a tough professional sport?

The cycling world is watching with amazement on Wednesday the final phase of the 17th stage of the Vuelta. Because it is their own teammates Primoz Roglic (33, Sln) and Jonas Vingegaard (26, Dä) who attack – and leave behind – the leader of the classification Sepp Kuss (29, USA) on the final climb.

What is particularly explosive is that the attack comes after a summer in which the 29-year-old American once again made a name for himself as a selfless and valuable helper in the Jumbo-Visma team. Kiss was practically indispensable for eventual overall winner Vingegaard, especially during this year’s Tour de France.

The fact that it is now his own people who challenge Sepp Kuss for the Vuelta leadership is causing criticism in the scene. “This is so disloyal and disrespectful to everything Sepp has done during his career,” complains British ex-professional cyclist Adam Blythe. Roglic and Vingegaard also talk about ‘too big egos’.

However, Sepp Kuss still entered the last steep mountain stage on Thursday with a small tire. And indeed: Jumbo-Visma seems to have gone through the books again during the night. On the way to the mountain destination La Cruz de Linares, Roglic and Vingegaard line up behind Kuss this time and help the leader defend his lead.

The Belgian Remco Evenepoel (23) took the stage victory, but the overall victory should no longer be taken away from Kuss. Unless there is another unexpected attack from within your own ranks. (cat)

Source : Blick