Tadej Pogacar Secures Victory in Vuelta a Espana Opener

Aug 22, 2026

57 min

Aug 22, 2026 18:30

Tadej Pogacar wins Vuelta a Espana opener to claim red jersey

## Pogacar Takes the Lead

Tadej Pogacar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, clinched the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana, securing the leader's red jersey. The Slovenian cyclist completed the 9.4-kilometer individual time trial in Monaco with a time of 10 minutes and 57 seconds.

## Narrow Win Over Competitors

Pogacar narrowly edged out Britain's Ethan Hayter, who finished just a fraction of a second behind. Joshua Tarling took third place, trailing by four seconds. The race was held on a short and technical course through the streets of Monaco, where Pogacar resides.

## Aiming for Grand Tour Treble

Having already won the Tour de France five times and the Giro d'Italia in 2024, Pogacar is aiming to complete a career Grand Tour treble with a victory in the Vuelta. If successful, he would become the fourth cyclist to achieve a Tour-Vuelta double in the same season.

## Upcoming Challenges

The race continues with a challenging 214.3-kilometer stage from Monaco to Manosque, France. Pogacar's compatriot, Primoz Roglic, who is also a strong contender, finished 24th in the opening stage. The Vuelta will conclude in Granada on September 13.

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