Reflections on Hanging out with a Champ like Sepp

It was a Sunday in mid-October and we had just finished our first ride, a pleasant loop from Monda to Coín to Cártama, Pizarra, Alozaina, and back. The sun was still high as our VIBE tour group of 15 riders emerged on the hotel roof for cold beers and plates of jamón — when out of the corner of my eye, to my complete surprise, I spotted Sepp Kuss.

Sepp Kuss arrived a day early — no entourage, no fanfare — just a relaxed guy in sneakers and a t-shirt walking toward us with an easy smile. He looked exactly like you’d expect: lean, sun-kissed, quietly confident, and completely unbothered by being a Vuelta a España champion. 

Within minutes he had a cold beer in hand, leaning on the terrace railing, laughing like he’d known everyone for years.

He was taller than I expected. At six feet, he was taller than all but one of us. He just hung out. Answered every nerdy question — FTP numbers, training blocks, altitude camps, and yes, who the best descender he’s ever seen — with thoughtful, honest answers. Nothing rushed. Nothing rehearsed.

Later we drove down to Marbella for a flamenco show and leisurely dinner. Sepp floated from table to table, engaging with everyone. The music and dance was amazing, a window into Andalusian culture. When the restaurant finally closed, he was still game to wander the old town streets, soaking it in.

Just a cool, easy, unforgettable night. Good times!