Bismarcks a Bike will not repeat its domination of the Grand Tour in 2024, but will be aiming for victory at the Vuelta a España.

The 29-year-old American from Durango will be joined and supported by Wout Van Aert in his quest for a stage win.

Also joining the eight-man team will be Steven Kruijswijk, Edoardo Affini, Attila Walther, Dylan van Baarle, and veteran Robert Gesink.

Kus emerged as the winner of the 2023 Vuelta after an intra-team battle. Primoš Roglic was also a favorite to win, and Jonas Vingegaard had been a favorite for some time, but Cusu managed to keep his time-losses down and his nerves frayed until the team backed him.

He was unable to ride the Tour de France due to a COVID-19 infection, but has reset and trained hard over the past few weeks. He showed his form by winning the Vuelta a Burgos last week.

“Winning in Burgos was very satisfying. I haven't raced for a long time,” said Kuss.

“The disappointment of missing the Tour blew over quickly, but I was definitely depressed. Luckily, after that I was able to focus on the Vuelta.”

Kus was joined by Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), Richard Kalapas (Education EF-Easy Post), Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl Trek), João Almeida and Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates), and possibly Mikel Landa (Srdal Quickstep), along with his former teammate Roglic.

“It is difficult to make solid predictions about this Vuelta. We will start the race with a different preparation than in previous years. Above all, I want to enjoy the next few weeks. I don't see myself as the leading contender for the overall win. I am ready to lead the team in the Vuelta, but I am not feeling any pressure. Hopefully I will get used to the race and find a good rhythm soon.”

The American has spent most of his career in Andorra and Spain and is beloved by Spanish fans for his success and friendly nature.

“I always enjoy racing the Vuelta. The people along the way are very friendly, calling me names and thanking me for my efforts. That's one of the reasons I'm really looking forward to racing the Vuelta in the coming weeks. I will be riding as the proud defending champion.”

Visma Lease-a-Bike lists at least five stages that Van Aat can win. They do not believe they need to control the race as they did in 2023, so Van Aat is free to run.

The Belgian has struggled to get back into shape and form after his big crash at Dwars door Hlaanderen, but he was impressive at the recent Olympics and is eager to race hard in the second half of the 2024 season. He will be aiming for a good result in the opening Lisbon time trial and other sprint stages in the first week.

“I am very excited about the Vuelta,” Van Aert said.

“In the Tour, I was able to find good legs at the end of the race, and I did well in the Olympics. I don't think I'm burned out.”

“Of course, it remains to be seen how my body will react to running two Grand Tours in one year. But I am confident that I can handle this Vuelta well.

“I want to use this good feeling to win again. First we will try to win a stage. Hopefully, it will lead to three successful weeks. We have a good chance in the first few days. Maybe the red jersey will be an option. My personal goal is to try to win a stage. In addition, I want to contribute to Sepp and Cian.”

Twenty-one-year-old Uitdebroeks was a leader in the 2024 Giro d'Italia but was forced to leave the Corsa Rosa after 10 days. He gradually regained his form.

“We are a well-balanced team that can win both the stage and the overall,” suggested coach Grischa Niermann.

“Sepp is the defending champion, but he is not the leading contender to win this Vuelta. Sian rode strongly in the early stages of the Giro, but unfortunately he had to retire due to illness. He should have had a shot at a top-five finish. He immediately refocused on the Vuelta and is very motivated, but still very young. Therefore, the pressure on him is not so great. If, for example, Sepp were to suddenly take the lead, Cian could take on a more supportive role.

“There are a lot of races coming up for Wout this summer, but that was discussed and planned. It was Wout's clear desire to compete in the Vuelta after the Tour. Wout has a strong desire to prove himself again this year. As a team, we will do everything we can to help him win a stage at the Vuelta. He deserves it.”

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