Sepp Kuss
The unassuming American climber from Colorado who emerged from the role of loyal helper to seize his own Grand Tour victory in Spain.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American cyclist·Birthday: September 13·Millennials
Biography
Sepp Kuss, born in Durango, Colorado in 1994, redefined what it means to be a domestique in modern cycling. He turned professional after a standout collegiate career in the U.S., joining the Dutch Jumbo-Visma team (now Visma-Lease a Bike) where he quickly became the most valuable mountain support rider in the world. For years, Kuss was the indispensable man, shepherding team leaders like Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard up the steepest climbs in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, sacrificing his own results with a quiet, steady demeanor. The narrative shifted dramatically in 2023. Entered in the Vuelta to support, Kuss found himself in the leader's red jersey after a stunning solo breakaway. In an unprecedented scenario, he ended up winning the entire race, with his superstar teammates working for him. His victory was a popular one, a testament to humility, years of hard work, and explosive talent finally getting its due on the top step.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Sepp was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sepp Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Sepp's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2023 Vuelta a España, becoming the first American to win a Grand Tour in a decade.
- Played a pivotal supporting role in multiple Tour de France and Vuelta a España victories for his team leaders.
- Became only the second rider in history to win a Grand Tour and finish all three Grand Tours in a single season (2023).
- Won a mountain stage of the 2021 Tour de France, a rare feat for a designated helper.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in Spanish, having spent significant time racing and living in Spain.
He studied economics at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs while racing for their cycling team.
His nickname in the peloton is 'The Durango Kid'.
He won the Colorado state high school mountain biking championship twice.
“You have to be ready to suffer for the team's goal.”
