Pogačar wins Vuelta a España opening time trial by 0.09 seconds

Tadej Pogačar claimed a dramatic victory in the opening stage of the 2026 Vuelta a España, winning the individual time trial in Monaco by a mere 0.09 seconds over Britain's Ethan Hayter. The result secured the Slovenian rider the first red jersey of the race on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion, completed the technical 9.4-kilometer course through the streets of Monaco in 10 minutes and 57 seconds. He was three seconds behind Hayter at the intermediate time check but produced a blistering final section to snatch the win. Hayter, who had set a strong benchmark, finished second, with Joshua Tarling of Great Britain taking third place, four seconds behind the leader.

Tarling's podium finish came just over a week after the death of his younger brother, Finlay, in a road accident during the Tour of Portugal. Pogačar acknowledged the emotional context, stating he had been rooting for Tarling to win the stage. "When I was going to the start line I saw that Josh had the best time. I was really wishing he would win today," Pogačar said.

The victory marks Pogačar's first in the opening stage of a Grand Tour and his first time wearing the Vuelta's red...