Vingegaard Hails Teammate Kuss's Giro Victory: 'Almost Touched'

Jonas Vingegaard was visibly moved upon hearing that his close friend and teammate Sepp Kuss had won a stage at the Giro d'Italia. Vingegaard stated he was "almost a little touched" when the news came over the radio on Friday.

"He deserves it more than anyone," Vingegaard told TV 2 Sport. "He is a guy who always sacrifices for others without asking for anything himself." Kuss, riding in a breakaway, secured his solo victory on the 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

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He deserves it more than anyone. He is a guy who always sacrifices for others without asking for anything himself.

Vingegaard confirmed that the team's strategy from the outset was for Kuss to have his own chance at a stage win. The American's victory holds particular importance for Vingegaard due to Kuss's crucial role in many of his own major career triumphs.

"He is an extremely important part of my team, and he has shown that again and again," said Vingegaard, who is currently leading the Giro. While Vingegaard finished 39 seconds behind Kuss on the stage, he is well-positioned for the overall victory heading into the final major mountain stage on Saturday. He holds a lead of just over four minutes over Felix Gall.

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He is an extremely important part of my team, and he has shown that again and again.