Pogacar wins Monaco's Vuelta time trial
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Tadej Pogacar has claimed victory in Monaco's opening stage time trial as the Vuelta a España gets underway from the Principality.
Fresh from a fifth Tour de France title in July, Tadej Pogacar has confirmed he will line up for the Vuelta a España, with the race's grand départ leaving from Monaco at the end of August. The Slovenian rider has now secured a dominant start to his campaign, winning Saturday's demanding individual time trial around the Port Hercule area.
The Vuelta holds particular significance for Pogacar. It was his breakthrough race in 2019, and it remains the one Grand Tour missing from an already extraordinary palmarès. A win in Spain would complete cycling's triple crown of Grand Tours for the rider widely regarded as the dominant force in the sport.
For Monaco, hosting the start of one of cycling's three major stage races marks a considerable moment. The Principality has long been a base for professional cycling teams and riders, and the grand départ from Monaco brings significant international attention to the region. Pogacar's victory in the opening time trial underscores both his dominance and the prestige of the event.