Nine hundredths of a second delivered the first red jersey.
MONACO
Tadej Pogacar began his pursuit of a first Vuelta a España title by winning the opening individual time trial through Monaco. The Slovenian completed the 9.4 kilometer urban course in 10 minutes and 57 seconds, narrowly defeating Britain’s Ethan Hayter by only nine hundredths of a second. Josh Tarling finished third after an emotional performance shortly following the death of his younger brother. The victory placed Pogacar at the top of the general classification and gave him the race’s first red leader’s jersey.
Hayter appeared positioned to win after producing the fastest provisional time, while Pogacar trailed at the intermediate checkpoint. The UAE Team Emirates XRG leader recovered during the second half, using his cornering and sustained power to erase the deficit. His winning average exceeded 51 kilometers per hour on a route containing only limited elevation but requiring precision through Monaco’s streets. The result was Pogacar’s twentieth victory of the season and immediately confirmed his status as the principal favorite.
The Slovenian is returning to the Vuelta for the first time since making his Grand Tour debut in 2019. At twenty, he won three stages, captured the young rider classification and finished third overall, establishing himself as one of cycling’s emerging talents. Seven years later, he arrives as a five time Tour de France winner and the 2024 Giro d’Italia champion. Victory in Spain would make him the ninth cyclist to win all three Grand Tours during a career.
The opening time trial created only small differences, leaving Pogacar with no meaningful protection ahead of three demanding weeks. Rivals including Primoz Roglic, João Almeida, Oscar Onley and Richard Carapaz will seek opportunities when the race reaches longer climbs and more tactical terrain. Pogacar must also manage accumulated fatigue after winning another Tour de France while preserving enough energy for objectives later in the season. His Monaco performance delivered the strongest possible opening statement, but the red jersey will ultimately be decided across 21 stages and approximately 3,275 kilometers.
The decisive detail, without the noise. / El detalle decisivo, sin el ruido.