Sepp Kuss is back to winning ways, the American from Colorado and loyal domestique of Vingegaard, winner of the 2023 Vuelta. He received the green light from the pink jersey wearer and, after a day in the breakaway, 2 km from the finish he catches Ciccone, overtakes him and takes the victory.

"The priority was to help Vingegaard secure the pink jersey – says Kuss -. When they told me the other evening that I would have the chance to join the breakaway, I understood that I had to seize the opportunity. It's something I've always dreamed of, but every year it becomes increasingly difficult. I continue to grow and improve, but the same goes for everyone else".

Already first in Andorra at the 2021 Tour and in two stages at the Vuelta (Santuario de Acebo 2019 and Javalambre Observatory 2023), with the Alleghe Piani di Pezzè stage Kuss enters the club of those who have won in all three Grand Tours.

"It doesn't happen often to have this kind of freedom – explains an emotional Kuss, who lives in Andorra and grew up on mountain bike -. At the start of the stage, Jonas told me "follow Ciccone and give it everything". But I wasn't entirely convinced I could catch up to Ciccone, when he built up a one-minute advantage I got a bit discouraged. At that point I simply tried to focus on climbing as fast as possible, it was a very steep ascent".

Finally, a thought for family: "I knew my mother would be 500 metres from the finish line, I want to dedicate a special thought to her and to my whole family, because I only get to see them for a few weeks a year. I still can't believe she travelled all this way to watch me, she and my father always support me, if I am the way I am it's because of them. I'm really happy and proud of them".