Pogacar wins Vuelta a Espana opening stage
MONACO: Tadej Pogacar stormed to victory in the individual time trial to claim the leader’s red jersey after the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana on Saturday.
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar secured victory in the opening stage of the 81st Vuelta a Espana, winning the individual time trial on Saturday. The 9.4-kilometre race through Monaco's streets saw Pogacar finish approximately a millisecond ahead of Briton Ethan Hayter. Joshua Tarling of the UAE Team Emirates finished third, four seconds behind the leaders.
Pogacar, who is aiming to complete a Grand Tour treble at the Vuelta, expressed surprise at his victory, stating it wasn't what he had anticipated. He credited his home advantage, as the technical portion of the course occurred in front of his apartment, a location he frequently cycles to. Pogacar is a double Tour de France and Giro d'Italia winner and is expected to hold the red jersey at the Vuelta's conclusion on September 13.
His compatriot Primoz Roglic is chasing a record-equalling fifth Vuelta win, currently sitting in 24th place.
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