Pogačar makes ominous start at Spanish Vuelta as history beckons
Cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar claims the Spanish Vuelta's red jersey for the first time as he looks to make history.
Tadej Pogačar secured the Spanish Vuelta's red jersey for the first time after a commanding victory in the opening time trial. He finished 0.09 seconds ahead of British rider Ethan Hayter, who had initially expected to claim the win. Pogačar, a nine-time Grand Tour winner, set a rapid pace on the 9.5-kilometre Monaco course, completing it in 10 minutes and 57 seconds.
Hayter, however, was unable to match his speed and crossed the line four seconds behind. Pogačar, making his Grand Tour debut at the age of 20 in 2019, aims to become just the ninth rider to conquer all three Grand Tours. The win marks his 36th Grand Tour stage triumph and is his first win in the opening stage of a major race. Pogačar's main rival, Vincenzo Nibali, is absent due to a broken collarbone sustained in a crash following the Tour de France.
Remco Evenepoel, the second-place finisher at the Tour, is also resting ahead of the Road World Championships in Montreal.
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