Vuelta a España Begins in Lisbon, Kuss Defends Title

The 2024 Vuelta a España kicked off with a 12km time trial in Lisbon, where Primož Roglič, a three-time winner, showed strong form despite finishing eighth, outperforming all other general classification contenders. Defending champion Sepp Kuss struggled in the challenging crosswinds, placing 62nd and expressing that the race conditions were on the limit of safety. With the absence of top stars like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, both Kuss and Roglič are seen as key favorites, alongside other competitors like Adam Yates and João Almeida from UAE Team Emirates. Kuss, who recently overcame Covid-related issues, remains cautious about his chances, aiming to find his rhythm as the Vuelta progresses. The race includes tough mountain stages ahead, with the finish set for September 8 in Madrid. Notably, this edition marks a significant challenge as Jumbo-Visma seeks to continue their dominance in Grand Tours.