Sepp Kuss won Friday’s Dolomites stage at the Giro d’Italia, completing a full set of stage victories across all three Grand Tours. The American, already a Vuelta a España winner in 2023, added an Italian summit finish to earlier successes in cycling’s biggest races.
The Strategy Behind Kuss’s Triumph
Kuss managed his effort with precision, staying clear of the turmoil in a constantly changing breakaway. While the front group split and reformed many times, he picked his moments and finished the job on the final climb.
Giulio Ciccone drove much of the action for the mountain points jersey. The Italian repeatedly attacked and matched every move from Einer Rubio, his main rival for the Maglia Azzurra. He missed out only on the Passo Falzarego, cresting it second, then attacked on the descent and built a gap of more than a minute as the race hit the new Giro ascent to Piani di Pezzè in Alleghe.
Behind, Visma | Lease a Bike kept a measured pace with Kuss up the road. Other teams were more aggressive in the fight for the overall podium. Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale lifted the speed on the Falzarego, which put Thymen Arensman under pressure; he later faltered on the day’s final climb.
Giulio Pellizzari, dropped earlier from the break, produced the surge that finally distanced Arensman. That move opened the door for Jai Hindley to climb into provisional third overall, slotting in behind Jonas Vingegaard and Felix Gall.
Gall later attacked to test the favorites, but Vingegaard closed him down without difficulty. The leader’s jersey looked secure with two stages remaining, though the Giro’s final climbs, including Piancavallo, still loomed.
Kuss sealed the stage with family on hand near the finish, adding a personal touch to a standout day. The victory capped a controlled, clinical ride and underlined his status as one of the peloton’s top climbers. As the Giro d’Italia progresses, fans eagerly await further displays of Kuss’s exceptional talent on the bike.