Pogacar claims historic Monaco stage in Vuelta opener
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Tadej Pogacar won Saturday's opening time trial as La Vuelta 2026 began from Monaco, the first city to host all three Grand Tours.
Saturday's individual time trial from Monaco marks a landmark moment in professional cycling: the Principality becomes the first city anywhere in the world to have hosted the opening stage of all three Grand Tours. The Giro d'Italia departed from Monaco in 1966, the Tour de France followed in 2009, and now the Vuelta a España completes the set with its 2026 edition rolling out from the same streets.
Slovene rider Tadej Pogacar lived up to his pre-race billing as the overwhelming favourite by winning the opening stage in commanding fashion. The five-time Tour de France champion is chasing his first Vuelta title, and his dominant performance on Monaco's streets provided an impressive statement of intent.
The time trial format for the opening stage meant the Principality witnessed riders at full racing pace from the very first kilometres, with Pogacar's victory adding considerable star power to what is already a historically significant occasion for Monaco. The racing moves on to the surrounding region on Sunday as the race builds towards its conclusion.