Tadej Pogacar wins opening Monaco time trial to take first red jersey in Vuelta 2026
Tadej Pogacar claimed the first red jersey of the 2026 Vuelta by winning a 9.4-kilometer opening time trial held entirely within Monaco.
Tadej Pogacar won the opening stage of the 2026 Vuelta, taking the first red jersey of the race after completing a 9.4-kilometer individual time trial in Monaco. The technical route started inside the Monte Carlo casino and finished along the same straight used for the Formula One Grand Prix, with most of the course tracking the motor racing circuit.
The race continues on Sunday with a 214-kilometer stage from Monaco to the Provencal town of Manosque, which marks the longest route in the 2026 edition. The peloton will pass through cities including Nice after leaving the principality, with expectations pointing toward a sprint finish.
