Visma-Lease a Bike’s Rocky Start: A Sign of Cycling’s New Realities?
Sepp Kuss’s withdrawal from the Tour of Oman due to illness marks the latest setback for the Visma-Lease a Bike team, adding to a growing list of challenges that include injuries to Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard, and the unexpected retirement of Simon Yates. While individual setbacks are common in professional cycling, the sheer volume of issues facing one of the sport’s top teams raises questions about the evolving pressures on riders and the potential for a systemic shift in how teams approach the season.
A Cascade of Bad Luck – And Something More?
Kuss, a key support rider for Vingegaard in both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, was sidelined with gastrointestinal issues, forcing him to abandon the Tour of Oman. This came after Visma-Lease a Bike already started the race with a depleted roster, missing Axel Zingle and Owain Doull from the start line. “Sepp is ill, so we didn’t start him,” team head of racing Grischa Niermann told Wielerflits. The team is now down to just four riders in Oman, highlighting the fragility of even the most well-funded squads.
The Wider Trend: Illness Sweeping the Peloton
Kuss isn’t alone. Niermann noted a widespread issue of stomach and intestinal problems affecting many riders in the peloton. This suggests a potential environmental or viral factor at play, impacting performance across multiple teams. The prevalence of illness raises concerns about the physical toll on riders, particularly during the early season when they are building form.
Beyond Visma: A Difficult Start for Top Contenders
Visma-Lease a Bike’s struggles aren’t isolated. Rival team UAE Emirates XRG has also faced a series of misfortunes, including crashes and injuries to key riders at the Tour Down Under and the AlUla Tour. These incidents underscore the inherent risks of professional cycling and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
The Impact on Grand Tour Ambitions
These early-season setbacks have significant implications for the upcoming Grand Tours. Vingegaard’s disrupted preparation, following a crash and illness, casts a shadow over his Giro d’Italia debut and his bid to challenge Tadej Pogačar at the Tour de France. Kuss’s role as a crucial domestique for Vingegaard is also thrown into question, potentially impacting the team’s overall strategy.
The Demands of Modern Cycling
The modern cycling calendar is increasingly demanding, with riders expected to perform at a high level throughout the year. The pressure to maintain peak fitness, combined with extensive travel and exposure to different environments, can compromise immune systems and increase susceptibility to illness. The early-season cyclocross participation of riders like Wout van Aert, while beneficial for maintaining fitness, also carries an increased risk of injury, as demonstrated by his ankle fracture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Sepp Kuss’s role within Visma-Lease a Bike?
A: Kuss is a key support rider, particularly for Jonas Vingegaard, and is expected to play a vital role in Vingegaard’s campaigns at the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
Q: Is illness a common occurrence in professional cycling?
A: Yes, but the widespread nature of illness affecting multiple teams and riders suggests a potentially unusual situation this season.
Q: What are the potential consequences of these setbacks for Visma-Lease a Bike?
A: The team’s Grand Tour ambitions could be compromised, and their overall strategy may need to be adjusted based on rider availability and form.
Q: What is Visma-Lease a Bike’s plan for Jonas Vingegaard’s return to racing?
A: The Volta a Catalunya in March is being considered as a potential return point, but his fitness will be closely monitored.
Q: How does this compare to other teams?
A: UAE Emirates XRG has also experienced a difficult start to the season with crashes and injuries to key riders.
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