Sepp Kuss Adjusts Saddle Behind Van at Tour de France
During the Tour de France, American rider Sepp Kuss finished in 4th place, marking his best result in the race. Prior to the start of the Alpe d’Huez stage, former footballer Geert De Vlieger and his colleagues spotted Kuss hiding behind a van to adjust his equipment. According to De Vlieger, Kuss had just signed the race sheet before ducking behind a vehicle to raise his saddle slightly, while the Visma-Lease a Bike team bus was parked nearby on the same street.
Rival Riders and Analysts Question Protocol
Former professional cyclist Bert De Backer stated in Vive le Vélo that he had ridden in teams where such unauthorized changes were prohibited, calling the action unusual. De Backer explained that a single rider altering a bike independently means all other team bicycles remain incorrectly adjusted, which is why standardized team protocols exist. Bahrain rider Alec Segaert also weighed in, stating that the behavior suggested Kuss did not dare communicate his preferences to the team and chose to make the modification in secret.
Did you know? Professional cycling teams rely on strict bike-fitting metrics managed by dedicated mechanics to ensure every spare bicycle matches a rider’s exact race specifications.
Team Response and Rider Explanation
Following the broadcast, reporters questioned both Kuss and team management regarding the incident. According to Kuss, the adjustment was permitted, explaining that he experiences specific tics and occasionally feels that settings require minor tweaks. “They know that I have zulke tics heb. Soms voel ik wat te veel, maar het is onder controle,” Kuss stated, adding that there was no need for concern. Visma-Lease a Bike sports director Marc Reef confirmed that management understood the rider’s habits, stating that Kuss did not receive a reprimand for the unauthorized adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sepp Kuss receive a penalty or reprimand for adjusting his saddle?
No. According to Visma-Lease a Bike sports director Marc Reef, Kuss did not receive a reprimand from the team.
Why did Sepp Kuss hide behind a van?
What was Sepp Kuss’s result in that stage of the Tour de France?
Kuss finished in 4th place, marking his best result in the race.
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