Sepp Kuss Claims Emotional Victory on Giro d’Italia Queen Stage, Completes Grand Tour Trilogy

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

Published: May 31, 2026

Sepp Kuss etched his name into Giro d’Italia history on Saturday, securing a solo victory on the grueling 150-kilometer 19th stage to Piani di Pezze. The American cyclist from Team Visma | Lease a Bike capped off a career-defining achievement, becoming the first rider in over a decade to win a stage in all three Grand Tours. The win not only solidified Kuss’s status as one of the sport’s most consistent performers but also underscored the tactical brilliance of his team as the overall classification remained tightly contested.

The Queen Stage: A Test of Will and Skill

The 19th stage of the 2026 Giro d’Italia was a brutal 150-kilometer route featuring six categorized climbs, including the punishing Passo Duran, Passo Giau, and the final ascent to Piani di Pezze. The route was designed to separate the contenders from the pretenders, and Kuss proved to be the most resilient rider in the field.

From the start in Feltre, a breakaway group of 10 riders, including Kuss, seized the initiative. The peloton, led by Team Visma | Lease a Bike, allowed the group to build a significant lead, knowing that the final climbs would favor the strongest climbers. The breakaway maintained its advantage through the first two major ascents, with Kuss playing a pivotal role in pacing the group.

Kuss’ Breakaway Masterclass

As the race approached the final climb to Piani di Pezze, the breakaway began to fracture. Italian climber Giulio Ciccone launched a solo attack, creating a gap of over a minute. Kuss, however, remained composed, using his experience to bridge the gap in the closing kilometers. With the crowd erupting in cheers, the American surged past Ciccone and soloed to the finish line, crossing the line with a time of 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 33 seconds.

“I still can’t believe I won this stage,” Kuss said after the race, his voice trembling with emotion. “This represents something I’ve dreamed about for a long time, but I also knew it would be difficult to achieve. Every year the level gets higher, so I knew I wouldn’t have many chances left to win a stage in the Giro. Today, everything finally came together. This is special.”

Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Strategic Dominance

Kuss’s victory was not a solo effort. Team Visma | Lease a Bike, led by overall leader Jonas Vingegaard, executed a masterful race strategy. While Vingegaard finished fifth, the team’s support for Kuss was instrumental in securing the stage win. The Dutch squad’s ability to control the pace in both the breakaway and the peloton highlighted their depth and tactical acumen.

“On a day like this, having a super collective is everything,” Kuss said. “It allows us to dictate the race and put ourselves in the best position to win.”

Impact on the General Classification

The stage result had minimal impact on the overall standings, with Vingegaard retaining the pink jersey. However, the win provided a morale boost for Kuss and his team as the Giro approaches its final stages. The 2026 edition of the race has been marked by intense competition, with several riders vying for the podium in the final time trial.

“This stage was a reminder of what we’re capable of,” said Kuss. “We’ll keep fighting until the end.”

A Career-Defining Moment

Kuss’s victory marks the culmination of a decade-long journey. The 31-year-old American has consistently performed at the highest level, winning stages in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. This win in the Giro d’Italia completes his “trilogy” of Grand Tour stage victories, a feat only achieved by a handful of riders in history.

“It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” Kuss added. “This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and successful career.”

What’s Next for the Giro d’Italia?

The 2026 Giro d’Italia will conclude with a time trial in Verona on June 5. Vingegaard, the defending champion, will aim to secure his first overall victory, while Kuss and his team will look to maintain their momentum.