Vuelta a España: Tadej Pogačar claims stage 1 time trial and takes the first leader's jersey in Monaco

UAE Team Emirates - XRG team's Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar competes during the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana 2026, a 9,4 km time-trial between Monaco and Monaco on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)
Tadej Pogacar racing the stage 1 time trial at the Vuelta a España (Image credit: Getty Images)

Tadej Pogačar came into the Vuelta a España as one of the favourites to take the red leader's jersey, and he is off to a promising start after winning the opening individual time trial in Monaco.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider and five-time Tour de France winner covered the 9.4km time trial with a winning time of 10:57, bumping Ethan Hayter (Soudal-QuickStep) out of the hot seat in the final moments of the stage.

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