Saturday 22nd August saw Stage 1 of La Vuelta take over the Principality, transforming Monaco’s iconic landmarks including Casino Square, Port Hercule, Fontvieille and Larvotto into the backdrop for the opening race. Prince Albert II joined the opening moments, cutting the ribbon to officially set the race underway.

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar found victory on home roads, as he completed the 9.4-kilometre individual time trial in 10 minutes and 57 seconds, only 0.09 seconds ahead of Ethan Hayter.

“I think I gained that 0.09 second when we passed in front of my apartment, because that was the most technical part of the course,” said the Monaco local. “I walk and cycle there every day.”

With only a fraction of a second separating the two riders, Pogačar’s familiarity with the streets of Monaco may have made all the difference.

Joshua Tarling completed the time trial in third, four seconds behind Hayter. The finish comes just over a week after his brother Finlay Tarling tragically passed away in an accident while racing the Volta a Portugal.

For Pogačar, this victory gives him the first leader’s jersey of the race during his first appearance at La Vuelta since 2019.

Wearing the leader’s jersey heading into Stage 2, Pogačar now begins his pursuit of another piece of cycling history. Victory at La Vuelta would make him only the ninth rider to have won all three Grand Tours in his career. Following his fifth Tour de France win earlier this year and his Giro d’Italia victory in 2024, the Slovenian is considered a leading favourite for this race.

Stage 2 on Sunday 23rd August sees riders tackle the 214.3-kilometre route from Monaco to Manosque, France, the longest stage of this year’s race. The 81st edition of La Vuelta will continue across Spain before coming to a close on 13th September.

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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier