Sepp Kuss
The Sigma Sports Cafe Ride
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Perhaps the nicest guy in the pro peloton, Sepp Kuss welcomes Matt Stephens to his home in Andorra for a Sigma Sports Café Ride with enough high altitude climbing to really test Matt’s legs and lungs.
Known for his poker face in a race situation, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider was all smiles on his home roads, even when the gradient kicked into double figures. The domestique turned Grand Tour winner is a bonafide people’s champion, always willing to help teammates and in this case; fix Matt’s puncture at the roadside.
A café stop at Hors Catégorie owned by former teammate Robert Gesink was the perfect setting for Sepp to discuss his famous win at Vuelta a Espana 2023, the impact it had on his career, and whether it changed his responsibilities in the team.
The route
As well as being tough, the roads in Andorra offer a sensational playground for those who love to ride and admire the mountains. From the quaint town of Encamp the route takes you up the climb of Coll d'Ordino. This scenic pass is approximately 8.9km long with an average gradient of 5.6%.
Cresting the summit at a smidge under 2000 metres high, you are greeted with a fast and flowing descent down into the town of Ordino. A must, if you are in need of a coffee and cafe, the Hors Categorie cafe, owned by former pro Robert Gesink, is a fantastic pit stop location before you tackle the undulating route back to Encamp.
The Bike
A machine fit for the Andorran slopes, new for 2025, the Cervelo R5 is one of the lightest production road bikes on the market and the choice for Matt Stephens.
Equipped with SRAM's ultra slick Rival AXS electronic and wireless groupset and rolling on Reserve 34TA carbon wheels.
Other neat additions include a Prologo Nago R4 saddle and Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed tyres, both ideal for keeping Matt in good shape as he rides with the Visma | Lease a Bike pro.
The Tech
Going for a spin with a Grand Tour winner is quite the undertaking so Matt was taking no chances and employed a tech filled approach to keep him on top of his energy expenditure, ensure he doesn't get lost and stays seen out on the roads in Andorra.
Garmin's collection of tech was the perfect choice with a Garmin Edge 1050 GPS Bike Computer attached to the handlebar, Garmin Rally RS200 Power Meter Pedals on the cranks and a Garmin Varia RTL515 Rear Light on the seatpost.
The Kit
This instalment of the Sigma Sports Cafe Ride was a scorcher and we are not just talking about the guest and route! With temperatures nudging 40 degrees Matt had to stay cool under the sun and opted for Universal Colours' Mono range to help him.
Pairing the clothing with Giro's ultra ventilated Helios Spherical Road Helmet, a pair of ultra suave Koo Alibi Sunglasses and a set of Lake CX239 Road Cycling Shoes Matt didn't just look the part, he was able to soar up the climbs like a mountain goat too.
Want to explore the series? Find out about the other Sigma Sports Cafe Ride guests and watch all the episodes.